As a boat operator, it is clear that you have so many responsibilities to take care of. And one of the most vital ones is the case of having a fire on board. So for the question of “Who is responsible for explaining fire safety procedures to passengers on a boat?” – A boat operator is the one who should take responsibility for this.
If you’re a boat operator, you have to be familiar with the US Coast Guard guidelines and check the devices in your boat that can cause a fire. In this article, you will find the detailed safety precautions which you can share with your passengers every time you set off with your boat.
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List Of Fire Safety Precautions
You have to think about more than just enjoyment. It’s a must to prioritize safety first. Boat owners and passengers alike should know the basic practices and regulations. Here’s a list of fire safety precautions, so a responsible boat operator like you won’t miss a thing.
Each item must be discussed with everyone who’ll join the ride before going ashore.
- Location of safety equipment, such as PFDs or life jackets, fire extinguisher, anchor, manual propelling device, first aid kit, visual signals, and water pump or bailers.
- Emphasize the need to wear a life jacket, especially in times of severe weather, high boat traffic, and other situations that pose a
- Demonstration of proper ways of wearing a PFD or life jacket approved by the Coast Guard.
- Have a demonstration of fire emergency drills so passengers know what they’ll do in case a fire appears on a boat.
Causes Of Boat Fires
Being well-versed in terms of keeping your boat safe from fire is a great deal. Apart from educating your passenger about it, you have to deal with the possible causes of boat fires. Make sure that there’s a zero chance for them to ignite a fire.
1. Outboard Wiring Harness
A wiring harness is added to your boat for various purposes. The primary one is establishing a barrier between the boat’s electrical system and the elements. However, vulnerable wiring harnesses are the cause of most fire incidents among boats.
2. Marine Battery Cable
This equipment belongs to the boat’s ignition system. Its significance lies in providing passage for the current generated by the battery to feed the starter and alternator. Therefore, this is the process that puts life into the engine.
Based on reports, many boat fires every year are caused by faulty or improperly installed battery cables. Regarding this matter, you have to be inclined to check the capability of your boat’s battery before using it.
3. Overloaded Engine
When there’s a notable increase in the throttle’s setting, it means that the boat’s engine is going through an excessive load. This scenario leads to an overheated engine that can cause a fire if not managed in due time.
Hundreds of boat fires are attributed to overheated engines. To prevent this from happening, you have to replace your boat’s impeller annually. Another prevention is grounding your boat by placing ground wires on the battery.
4. Appliance’s Electrical Components
The comfort and convenience of a modern home are now taken to some boats. You may be one of those who have a microwave, stove, refrigerator, water heater, and air conditioner in your vessel.
Despite the comfort these appliances may bring, they are the ones that can cause boat fires. Prohibition of placing them inside your boat isn’t mandated. But just make sure that you buy the ones that have marine-grade components.
What Is A Non-Direct Fire
When your boat catches fire, the things inside it are not the only ones to be blamed. You may have seen on the news that a small boat sandwiched between two larger crafts caught fire.
Well, it’s a given fact that the fire spreads so quickly. In most cases, large vessels are the main contributor to this. No matter where the fire came from, the boat operator is still responsible for keeping the passengers safe and secured.
Ways To Prevent Boat Fire: Every Boat Owner Should Know
To inhibit the chances of your boat catching fire, you have to secure the following:
1. Smoke Detector
You won’t have a hard time finding this as this is a common fire protection device. It should be placed in an enclosed area. An alarm or loud noise will prompt you if it detects smoke.
If there’s fire, there’s smoke. By the signs coming from it, you’ll be warned of the existence of fire. If it’s manageable, you can try putting it off.
2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is one of the dangerous gases as it can instantly end someone’s life. When a fire has formed in your boat, this substance is abundant. Thus, you should add a detector for carbon monoxide in your boat.
3. Be Extra Cautious with Gas Cylinder
Cooking requires heat and that’s why a gas cylinder is added on board. Considering the prevention of fire in your boat, you have to place it in an open space. You also have to keep it away from the fuel tank. Keep an eye on the oven and avoid using igniters if possible.
What To Do When Your Boat Caught Fire
Once you’ve sighted the fire, you must have a quick response to this. See to it that your passengers will cooperate. The very first thing that you need to do is to turn off the engine.
Position the boat in a way that blocks the wind from encouraging the fire to get bigger. Then, figure out where the fire is coming from. When you’ve found out the source, you would need to cut the power or gas supply.
Use the fire extinguisher and think of the best way to conquer the fire as there will be different cases. Some can put off the fire, but you better get off the boat if it doesn’t improve.
Summing It Up
As a boat operator, you have to keep in mind the important things laid out in this article to prevent fire and what to do in case it happens. Make the fire safety practice a part of the maintenance.
Work on making your boat and devices in good condition. Check things that can cause fire before sailing. If you know everything about fire prevention and precautions, you can impart your knowledge to your passengers before leaving the dock or port.
I would like to thank you for reading this article on who is responsible for explaining fire safety procedures to passengers on a boat. Did you like it? Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below.
“I am James Harvey – founder of Boating Basics Online. It is established with the drive to help out first-time boaters, which are those desiring to explore their way through the water. So if you are new to boating, start from here with me. “