Summer boating in Florida is idyllic. An array of beautiful blues and greens as you cruise through the water. You can fish, snorkel, swim, or picnic in the balmy breeze. Most people can envision relaxing on the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, a river, lake, or even the intercoastal. I bet you can almost smell the coconut-scented sunscreen. Don’t crack open that ice-cold beverage quite yet.
If you are a lucky member of a boat rental club, a boat owner, or just friends with someone with a boat – now is the time to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Be sure to stay safe. Pack your sunscreen, share your boating plan with a friend, and be prepared for a fire. You read correctly, a fire. If you are prepared for a storm, the sun, capsizing, or fishing – you should also be prepared for a boat fire.
Locating Equipment
When you board your boat or vessel, it’s best to locate your fire safety equipment. You should be able to easily see where the fire extinguishers are located. The United State Coast Guard requires that all vessels made after 2018 are required to carry a marine-rated fire extinguisher (USCG, 2022). If you click the link, it will explain the finer points of the law and if you need more than one marine-rated fire extinguisher.
If the extinguisher is not mounted in a highly visible place, look about. It doesn’t have to be mounted. You should be able to easily find the extinguisher. If not, now is time to make a mental note to purchase and install a few. If you are renting the boat, now is the time to ask the company where the fire extinguishers are located.
Learning to Use Equipment
A tool is only as useful as its operator. Do you know how and when to use your fire extinguishers? The best resource you have is the extinguisher itself. The instructions are located on the front and in visual form. Review them to learn the PASS strategy. PASS is to extinguish small fires as Stop, Drop, and Roll is to extinguish a clothing fire. You pull the pin from the top of the extinguisher. Then aim the hose at the base of the fire. Next, squeeze the lever and sweep from side to side.
Educating Guests About Equipment
Whether you own the boat or not, this may be the easiest step. It’s as simple as telling your guests where the fire extinguishers are located. If they seem more interested – you can review the PASS strategy or allow them to inspect the extinguishers. You will probably extinguish a potential fire. But why not have a crewmate available in case you are busy or otherwise incapacitated.
Maintaining Equipment
As you board the boat, give your fire extinguishers a basic check. You can visually inspect them for the following:
- Are they in the proper location?
- Are they free of pests and debris?
- Are they corroded, dented, scratched, or otherwise damaged?
- Do the pressure gauges indicate they are charged with an extinguishing agent?
- Are the hoses attached?
It’s a very quick check. If you can’t find the extinguisher it could have been stolen. If there are pests or debris on your extinguisher hoses or levers, clean them up. If you have a lot of rust, it may be time to replace the extinguisher. If the pressure gauge indicates the extinguishers are not charged you have two options. Option one, have a locally licensed fire equipment company recharge your extinguisher. Option two, replace your extinguisher if it is not rechargeable. How can you tell the difference? Read the pressure gauge. It will either say “recharge” or “replace.”
What to do During a Fire
It is unlikely there will be a fire. The USCG says that most boating fatalities are caused by collisions. However, your electrical equipment could become faulty. A stray cigarette could light a pile of towels. Or, your fuel tank could catch fire. Good news. You’ve already done the heavy lifting and have the proper, working fire safety protection equipment. If you can stay calm, you should be fine. As soon as you notice there is a fire, grab your fire extinguisher. Pull the pin, aim the hose, squeeze the lever, and sweep at the base of the fire from a safe distance.
Never turn your back to the fire. If you have a second fire extinguisher – holler to a guest to help you. If the fire becomes too large, grab your flotation devices and hop overboard. Fire extinguishers are designed for the incipient phase of a fire. The first few minutes, while the fire is small, is the best opportunity to extinguish it.
If the fire ignites in your fuel tank or electrical equipment, cut power to your boat. Extinguishing these types of fires is best when the fuel source is cut off.
What to do After a Fire
Take some deep breaths. Get to safety. Replace or service your extinguishers. If you are renting the boat, speak with the rental company so they are aware of the situation. Now might be a great time to update your fire safety plan too.
Congratulation on preparing for and surviving your first (pretend) and hopefully only boat fire. Smooth sailing for the rest of summer.
