While fires remain relatively rare on recreational boats, they can spread quickly and pose life-threatening risks to the crew in a very short time. Even if infrequent, it is a field where training is preferable as part of sailing safety practices.
Unlike commercial ships, fire safety standards for the construction of recreational boats are very lenient and mostly rely on the manufacturers.
A flaw undoubtedly linked to the nature of the construction materials: polyester resin, a highly flammable petroleum derivative, is predominantly used in the architecture of modern sailboats. Given this reality, the primary course of action for boaters to combat fires remains prevention. Here’s an overview of the main causes of fires on boats, how to prevent them... and how to extinguish them.
First, let’s recall some basic concepts that might have been forgotten since school.
To start, a fire requires three elements:
1- A source of heat: flame, spark, engine overheating, etc.
2- A fuel: the materials that make up our boats are often excellent fire conductors: composite resins, wood, or even certain metals like aluminum, which has a melting point of only 660°C.
3- An oxidizer: usually the oxygen in the air
If one of these three elements is removed, the fi re cannot occur.
Fire in the engine bay
A classic scenario, not as rare as one might think. This type of fire can be caused by an oil or diesel leak combined with engine overheating or an electrical short circuit.
Prevention
- Ensure proper ventilation of the engine bay when starting the engine, either with an electric extractor or natural ventilation.
- Check the engine's seal integrity.
- Make sure the engine cools properly (the seawater cooling valve is open, the exhaust discharges water correctly, and the coolant level is adequate).
- Monitor engine temperature during operation.
- Do not exceed the maximum oil level.
- Check the electrical circuit and fuses for good condition.
- Avoid overusing the starter.
In case of fire
Do not open the engine bay to avoid feeding the fire with additional oxygen.
Open the extinguisher access cap located between the steps of the descent (boat staircase) and empty the extinguisher through this opening. Use other available extinguishers as needed to put out the fire.
If the fire persists despite these measures, evacuate the boat immediately.
Galley fires
Galley fires are usually caused by the ignition of fats or oil in contact with stove burners. These are known as "grease fires."
Prevention
- Avoid overloading oil or fat quantities when cooking.
- Cover pans to prevent oil or fat splashes.
- Secure pans using fixable rails adapted to boat stoves.
- Unlock the stove gimbal to prevent liquid spills while sailing.
In case of fire
- Never use a water extinguisher on a galley fire, as it could spread the burning grease throughout the boat.
- Use a regulatory fire blanket to smother the fire.
Electrical fires
Short circuits are a significant cause of fires on boats.
They are caused by poor cable insulation, missing or defective fuses, or fuses unsuitable for the required amperage.
Prevention
- Ensure cables are in good condition and the electrical system matches the intended usage.
- Make sure fuses are correctly placed, functional, and appropriate for the device amperage.
- Avoid overloading energy-intensive circuits like the windlass or bow thruster. If a windlass fuse blows, it’s better to manually haul the anchor rather than risk cable overheating that could start a fire.
In case of fire
- Use onboard extinguishers.
- Turn off the circuit breakers.
Fire spreading to a resin hull or deck
The polyester resin used in most recreational boats is an excellent fuel. Fires on such materials spread rapidly while producing extremely toxic fumes.
Prevention
- Maintain equipment that could cause fires in good condition and use it properly (electrical systems, gas systems and storage, engine ventilation, etc.).
In case of fire
- Act quickly to extinguish the fire using onboard extinguishers.
- If the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate the boat immediately.
- When evacuating, ensure the liferaft or dinghy is positioned upwind of the boat to avoid inhalation of toxic resin smoke.
Gas
Due to its highly flammable nature, gas, like gasoline, must always be stored outside the boat in well-ventilated lockers. Butane (like propane), being heavier than air, can also settle in the bilges of the boat. These characteristics require careful monitoring of the entire circuit.
Prevention
- Store gas bottles in exterior lockers equipped with vents at their lower section to ventilate potential leaks.
Ensure the proper functioning of various components of the gas system:
- No corrosion on the bottle regulator.
- Good condition of the rigid piping.
- Tight seals on fittings.
- No corrosion on hose clamps.
- Verify that hoses are in good condition, not expired (expiration date is marked on gas hoses), and not subject to excessive mechanical stress (bending, rubbing, twisting, etc.).
- Check valve functionality and ensure no leaks when locked.
- Regularly ensure the bilges are clean and empty: as gas is heavier than air, it can settle in the bilges and poses a risk if near electric bilge pumps that could spark.
In case of fire
If the boat hasn't already exploded...
- Extinguish the fire with onboard extinguishers.
- Quickly cut off the gas supply.
Gasoline
Like gas, the highly flammable nature of gasoline requires boaters to store it outside the boat in well-ventilated lockers. The use of gasoline for inboard engines has been prohibited for several decades.
Prevention
- Store gasoline in sealed and suitable containers, placed in exterior, well-ventilated lockers.
- Avoid any source of spark or flame near the containers.
- Clean up any spills or leaks during handling.
In case of fire
- Use onboard extinguishers.
- If the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate the boat immediately and move upwind of the fire to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Regulations
On boats with “CE” marking (boats built after 1998 and up to 24 meters in length), the list of fire-fighting equipment is defined by the manufacturer in accordance with the new Division 240 (May 1, 2015) regarding recreational boat equipment. This list is available in the boat owner's manual.
For boats without “CE” marking, the list of fire-fighting equipment has been defined by Division 245 since May 1, 2015.
As a guideline, fire-fighting equipment for recreational boats up to 24 meters in length is generally specified as follows:
- 1 type 34 B extinguisher placed within 1 meter of the engine bay.
- 1 extinguisher placed within 5 meters of each cabin.
- 1 fire blanket for galley fires.
Extinguishers can be suited to one or more types of fires. Legislation identifies 5 classes of fires:
Class A: Fires involving solids
Class B: Fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids
Class C: Fires involving gases
Class D: Fires involving metals
Class F: Fires involving cooking appliances
Most extinguishers required by recreational boat manufacturers are multipurpose and cover Class A, B, and C fires.
Note: An extinguisher containing 1 kg of powder empties in less than 10 seconds. For added safety, it may be useful to purchase extinguishers with a capacity greater than the manufacturer's recommendation.
While fires remain relatively rare on recreational boats, they can spread quickly and pose life-threatening risks to the crew in a very short time. Even if infrequent, it is a field where training is preferable as part of sailing safety practices.
Unlike commercial ships, fire safety standards for the construction of recreational boats are very lenient and mostly rely on the manufacturers.
A flaw undoubtedly linked to the nature of the construction materials: polyester resin, a highly flammable petroleum derivative, is predominantly used in the architecture of modern sailboats. Given this reality, the primary course of action for boaters to combat fires remains prevention. Here’s an overview of the main causes of fires on boats, how to prevent them... and how to extinguish them.
First, let’s recall some basic concepts that might have been forgotten since school.
To start, a fire requires three elements:
1- A source of heat: flame, spark, engine overheating, etc.
2- A fuel: the materials that make up our boats are often excellent fire conductors: composite resins, wood, or even certain metals like aluminum, which has a melting point of only 660°C.
3- An oxidizer: usually the oxygen in the air
If one of these three elements is removed, the fi re cannot occur.
Fire in the engine bay
A classic scenario, not as rare as one might think. This type of fire can be caused by an oil or diesel leak combined with engine overheating or an electrical short circuit.
Prevention
- Ensure proper ventilation of the engine bay when starting the engine, either with an electric extractor or natural ventilation.
- Check the engine's seal integrity.
- Make sure the engine cools properly (the seawater cooling valve is open, the exhaust discharges water correctly, and the coolant level is adequate).
- Monitor engine temperature during operation.
- Do not exceed the maximum oil level.
- Check the electrical circuit and fuses for good condition.
- Avoid overusing the starter.
In case of fire
Do not open the engine bay to avoid feeding the fire with additional oxygen.
Open the extinguisher access cap located between the steps of the descent (boat staircase) and empty the extinguisher through this opening. Use other available extinguishers as needed to put out the fire.
If the fire persists despite these measures, evacuate the boat immediately.
Galley fires
Galley fires are usually caused by the ignition of fats or oil in contact with stove burners. These are known as "grease fires."
Prevention
- Avoid overloading oil or fat quantities when cooking.
- Cover pans to prevent oil or fat splashes.
- Secure pans using fixable rails adapted to boat stoves.
- Unlock the stove gimbal to prevent liquid spills while sailing.
In case of fire
- Never use a water extinguisher on a galley fire, as it could spread the burning grease throughout the boat.
- Use a regulatory fire blanket to smother the fire.
Electrical fires
Short circuits are a significant cause of fires on boats.
They are caused by poor cable insulation, missing or defective fuses, or fuses unsuitable for the required amperage.
Prevention
- Ensure cables are in good condition and the electrical system matches the intended usage.
- Make sure fuses are correctly placed, functional, and appropriate for the device amperage.
- Avoid overloading energy-intensive circuits like the windlass or bow thruster. If a windlass fuse blows, it’s better to manually haul the anchor rather than risk cable overheating that could start a fire.
In case of fire
- Use onboard extinguishers.
- Turn off the circuit breakers.
Fire spreading to a resin hull or deck
The polyester resin used in most recreational boats is an excellent fuel. Fires on such materials spread rapidly while producing extremely toxic fumes.
Prevention
- Maintain equipment that could cause fires in good condition and use it properly (electrical systems, gas systems and storage, engine ventilation, etc.).
In case of fire
- Act quickly to extinguish the fire using onboard extinguishers.
- If the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate the boat immediately.
- When evacuating, ensure the liferaft or dinghy is positioned upwind of the boat to avoid inhalation of toxic resin smoke.
Gas
Due to its highly flammable nature, gas, like gasoline, must always be stored outside the boat in well-ventilated lockers. Butane (like propane), being heavier than air, can also settle in the bilges of the boat. These characteristics require careful monitoring of the entire circuit.
Prevention
- Store gas bottles in exterior lockers equipped with vents at their lower section to ventilate potential leaks.
Ensure the proper functioning of various components of the gas system:
- No corrosion on the bottle regulator.
- Good condition of the rigid piping.
- Tight seals on fittings.
- No corrosion on hose clamps.
- Verify that hoses are in good condition, not expired (expiration date is marked on gas hoses), and not subject to excessive mechanical stress (bending, rubbing, twisting, etc.).
- Check valve functionality and ensure no leaks when locked.
- Regularly ensure the bilges are clean and empty: as gas is heavier than air, it can settle in the bilges and poses a risk if near electric bilge pumps that could spark.
In case of fire
If the boat hasn't already exploded...
- Extinguish the fire with onboard extinguishers.
- Quickly cut off the gas supply.
Gasoline
Like gas, the highly flammable nature of gasoline requires boaters to store it outside the boat in well-ventilated lockers. The use of gasoline for inboard engines has been prohibited for several decades.
Prevention
- Store gasoline in sealed and suitable containers, placed in exterior, well-ventilated lockers.
- Avoid any source of spark or flame near the containers.
- Clean up any spills or leaks during handling.
In case of fire
- Use onboard extinguishers.
- If the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate the boat immediately and move upwind of the fire to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
Regulations
On boats with “CE” marking (boats built after 1998 and up to 24 meters in length), the list of fire-fighting equipment is defined by the manufacturer in accordance with the new Division 240 (May 1, 2015) regarding recreational boat equipment. This list is available in the boat owner's manual.
For boats without “CE” marking, the list of fire-fighting equipment has been defined by Division 245 since May 1, 2015.
As a guideline, fire-fighting equipment for recreational boats up to 24 meters in length is generally specified as follows:
- 1 type 34 B extinguisher placed within 1 meter of the engine bay.
- 1 extinguisher placed within 5 meters of each cabin.
- 1 fire blanket for galley fires.
Extinguishers can be suited to one or more types of fires. Legislation identifies 5 classes of fires:
Class A: Fires involving solids
Class B: Fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids
Class C: Fires involving gases
Class D: Fires involving metals
Class F: Fires involving cooking appliances
Most extinguishers required by recreational boat manufacturers are multipurpose and cover Class A, B, and C fires.
Note: An extinguisher containing 1 kg of powder empties in less than 10 seconds. For added safety, it may be useful to purchase extinguishers with a capacity greater than the manufacturer's recommendation.