Scottish Government

Small Boat Fire Safety

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Fire can be a dangerous and terrifying event - even when escape to a place of safety is relatively easy. Its effects become even more serious when escape is either difficult or leads to a place of other danger.

The guidance contained in the following sections is aimed at minimising the risks of fire and explosion on a small craft, regardless of where these craft
are used:

• Inland waterways
• Sea lochs
• Coastal waters
• The open sea

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

The best preventative measures may not stop a fire from starting, but planning for that event could prove crucial to your survival.

• Ensure all primary and secondary routes leading from accommodation spaces remain unobstructed.
• Ensure any firefighting equipment is appropriate to the risks, maintained in good order and available for use.
• Ensure any flotation or water survival aids are adequate in number, maintained in good order and readily available for use in an emergency.

Any plan should consider fire occurring in any on-board location and should be practised regularly.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The type of fire extinguisher required will depend on the length of the boat and should be provided in line with the following guidance:

Ensure fire extinguishers are approved to current standards and maintained in good order for immediate use. In addition, where cooking facilities exist, a fire blanket complying with BS6575 should be provided.

See also 'Fire Safety with Extinguishers' leaflet.

FUEL

Refuel ashore, never aboard. Before taking on fuel:

• Stop the engine.
• Turn off all cooking, heating and lighting appliances.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, pipes and naked flames.
• Close all hatches, doors, etc.
• Monitor fuel level to avoid over filling.

Ensure that no fuel can accumulate unseen within the boat and mop up any spillage. Ventilate the boat before starting up the engine or using naked lights.

Do not carry spare petrol unless essential. If required, store a limited supply of spare fuel in approved containers and keep them securely on the upper deck.

GAS CYLINDERS

The importance of gas safety cannot be stressed too highly.

Always ensure there is adequate ventilation.

Store and install cylinders in an upright position with the valve uppermost.

Be careful when changing cylinders. Make sure the valve on the empty cylinder is turned off before disconnecting and do not turn on the valve of the full cylinder until it is securely connected.

When storing, ensure that cylinders are either secured on deck away from hatches so any escaping gas disperses, or are placed in a properly designed and ventilated container above the water line.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY

Ensure batteries are properly secured in a location that does not permit the accumulation of hydrogen gas.

Make sure all gas or liquid-fuelled heating, refrigerating or cooking appliances are properly secured to prevent them from overturning if there is a collision or the boat tips.

Make sure a working smoke alarm is fitted in the accommodation area.