How to Protect Boats From Fires

If a fire starts on your boat, all the water that surrounds you isn't going to help you to extinguish the blaze. Having the proper equipment is the only way to keep you and your passengers safe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Smoke detectors
• Class B fire extinguishers

1. Install at least two smoke detectors on your boat. Put one near the engine or engine room so that if a fire breaks out there, you will detect it quickly. Also, install one in the cabin area.

2. Buy fire extinguishers. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all boats carry Class B rated extinguishers because they are designed to put out flammable liquids, such as gas and oil.

3. Carry the appropriate number of extinguishers. Boats that are 25 feet or smaller must have one B-1 extinguisher, 26 foot to 39 foot boats need two B-1 extinguishers or one B-2 extinguisher. Boats of 40 to 65 feet must carry at least three B-1 extinguishers.

4. Check the gauges on your extinguishers regularly to make sure they are full and have not lost pressure. If they have lost pressure or aren't full, have them refilled at a filling station or buy new ones. Keep your extinguishers where they are easily accessible.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a Carbon Monoxide detector in the cabin. You can't see or smell Carbon Monoxide, which is why it's so deadly. Installing Carbon Monoxide detectors helps to protect your passengers further from injury or death due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
• Don't store extinguishers next to the stove in the galley or in the engine compartment. If a fire breaks in these places, you may not be able to reach the extinguisher if they're near the source of the blaze.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Learn more about fire safety at uscgboating.org
• Get more fire protection tips for boats at boatus.com