Extinguishing Boat Fires: Quick And Safe Methods

Boat fires can quickly become catastrophic, and knowing what to do in the event of one is paramount. The first few seconds are critical, and the key is knowing as soon as possible that something is burning. If you can take effective action quickly, you may be able to stop the fire from spreading. There are several steps you can take to prepare for a fire, as well as steps to take to extinguish one.

Know the different classes of fire and how to extinguish them

Knowing the different classes of fire and how to extinguish them is crucial for effectively dealing with boat fires. Fires are classified based on the type of material and fuel involved, and each class requires specific extinguishing techniques and agents. Here are the five classes of fire and how to extinguish them:

Class A Fires: Ordinary Combustibles

Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, fabric, trash, and certain plastics. These fires can be started by something as simple as a candle falling over or a hot match tossed into the trash. To extinguish a Class A fire, use a foam fire extinguisher or water. Water is an effective coolant that absorbs heat and restricts oxygen, preventing combustion.

Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids and Gases

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, especially petroleum or petroleum-based products. This includes lighter fluid, gasoline, grease, paint, and cooking oils. To extinguish a Class B fire, smother the flames or cut off the oxygen supply using foam, powder, or carbon dioxide fire suppression equipment. Do not use water, as it can spread the flammable material and worsen the fire.

Class C Fires: Electrical Fires

Class C fires involve electrical sources or equipment, such as electrical/power cord damage, faulty breaker boxes, or overloaded electrical outlets. To extinguish a Class C fire, disconnect the item from its power source if safe to do so. Then, use a carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguisher, as these are non-conductive agents that will protect you from electrical shock and cut off the fire's oxygen supply. Do not use water or foam extinguishers, as they conduct electricity and can make the situation more dangerous.

Class D Fires: Combustible Metal Fires

Class D fires involve metals catching fire, including titanium, magnesium, sodium, lithium, aluminum, and potassium. These fires often occur in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or warehouses where metal materials are cut, drilled, or milled. Do not use water on a Class D fire, as it can worsen the flames. Instead, use a dry powder fire extinguisher or other dry powder agents to smother the fire and absorb heat.

Class K Fires: Cooking Fires

Class K fires are similar to Class B fires but are categorized separately due to their unique setting in the food service and restaurant industry. They involve the combustion of cooking liquids, such as grease, lard, olive oil, butter, animal fats, and vegetable fats. To extinguish a Class K fire, smother the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply or use a wet agent fire extinguisher. Do not use water, as it can spread the fire.

Prepare your boat with the right equipment and maintenance

Preparing your boat with the right equipment and maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of you, your crew, and your passengers. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get started:

First and foremost, it is crucial to have the mandatory firefighting equipment on board your boat. This includes multiple Coast Guard-approved fire extinguishers, which are up to date, full, and easily accessible. Place the fire extinguishers in strategic locations, such as near the galley, engine compartment, and all living spaces. Additionally, consider purchasing extra inexpensive extinguishers to practice with. This way, you and your crew can familiarise yourselves with their proper use. Remember to inspect your fire extinguishers regularly for any issues, such as corrosion, loss of pressure, or damaged mounting brackets.

Another important piece of equipment is a smoke alarm. While there may not be UL-Marine-approved smoke alarms available, you can opt for those from the RV industry, which are designed to meet future marine standards and are more robust than residential units. Install smoke alarms in sleeping and cooking areas, as well as in engine rooms.

Next, ensure that your digital selective calling (DSC) VHF radio is properly programmed, registered, and that you have received your MMSI number. This will be crucial for summoning help in an emergency. Make sure everyone on board knows how to use the radio correctly, as this could be the difference between life and death.

Additionally, it is vital to maintain your boat's engine and electrical systems to prevent fires from occurring in the first place. Check the fuel-line fittings and electrical connections regularly for any signs of fraying, chafing, or corrosion, and replace them as needed. If you have a gas inboard boat, remember to close all hatches while fuelling, then open them and run the blower before turning the key. If your boat has portable fuel tanks, keep the vent open while underway and close it when you stop.

Lastly, create a fire safety plan and ensure that everyone on board is familiar with it. Develop emergency action items and escape routes, and physically walk through them to confirm their effectiveness. Post diagrams of your vessel showing the location of fire extinguishers and the controls for permanently mounted units. Provide primary and alternate escape routes, especially from sleeping areas. Make sure everyone knows the location of shut-off valves and switches for electrical, fuel, and LPG or CNG systems. Practice fire drills regularly and review the fire safety plan with guests before setting sail.

What to do if the fire is in an engine space

If a fire breaks out in the engine space of your boat, it is critical to act quickly and calmly. Here is what you should do:

Firstly, stop the boat immediately. This will prevent the boat from continuing to move and potentially spreading the fire. It is important to be mindful of your surroundings and try to avoid other vessels as much as possible.

Next, ask everyone on board to put on their Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) in case an emergency evacuation becomes necessary. It is crucial to stay calm and focus on the next steps, which are turning off the engine and shutting off the fuel supply. Leaving the engine running can cause several issues, including overheating, which can make the fire worse. Turning off the fuel supply is essential because if it continues to flow, it may ignite and explode. Shutting off the fuel supply also prevents fuel from leaking out if the lines are damaged.

Now, you should position the boat so that the fire is downwind. If the fire is at the back of the boat, head into the wind, and use a paddle to keep the bow into the wind if necessary. If the fire is at the front, put the stern into the wind. This will help prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the boat and reduce smoke inhalation.

It is imperative to never use water to extinguish a gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical fire. Instead, use a fire extinguisher rated for the appropriate class of fire. Most boat fires are Class B fires, caused by flammable liquids and gases, so a fire extinguisher rated for this class should be used. Powder extinguishers are versatile and can put out Class A (solid materials), B, C (electrical equipment), and D (metals) fires. Remember the acronym PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) when using a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames), squeeze the handle, and sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the flames. If the fire reignites, repeat these steps.

Finally, call for help using a marine radio. A distress call will alert nearby vessels and emergency responders such as the Coast Guard. Provide them with crucial information, including the number of passengers, your location, type and size of vessel, and the boat's name. If evacuation becomes necessary, gather the passengers in one location, instruct them to remain calm, and deploy the life raft.

How to use a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can be intimidating to use, but they could also save lives in an emergency. The key to putting out a fire with an extinguisher is to use the PASS strategy: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Here's a detailed breakdown of the PASS method:

Pull the pin: Every fire extinguisher has a pin inserted in the handle that prevents accidental discharge. Grab the ring and pull the pin out from the side of the handle. Now that the extinguisher is primed to discharge, point the nozzle away from you.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames: Hold the lower handle lever (the carrying handle) with one hand and grab the nozzle with the other. Point the nozzle directly at the base of the fire, not the flames. With carbon dioxide extinguishers, keep your hands away from the plastic discharge horn, as it gets extremely cold.

Squeeze the lever: To release the extinguishing agent, squeeze the levers together with one hand while still aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire. Apply slow and even pressure when squeezing the levers. To stop the discharge, release the levers.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side: To extinguish all the fuel, slowly move the nozzle back and forth over the base of the fire while squeezing the levers. Move closer to the fire as the flames die down. Continue discharging until the fire goes out, including any glowing embers which can reignite.

Some additional safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Direct someone to call emergency services and evacuate everybody from the area first.
• Locate the nearest exit and stand with your back to it, so you can escape quickly in an emergency.
• Only use a fire extinguisher for small, contained fires. If the flames are taller than you or the fire is spreading, evacuate immediately.
• If there's lots of smoke, cover your mouth and get down on the ground. Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation and crawl to safety.
• Ensure you have the right type of fire extinguisher for the class of fire. For example, water is effective for Class A fires (combustible solids), but it can spread Class B fires (flammable liquids and gases) and cause shock or electrocution for Class C fires (electrical circuits).

When to abandon ship

There are several conditions that may lead to the abandonment of a vessel:

• In the case of a fire: If the fire is growing and blocking access to fire extinguishers, and there is no way to put it out.
• In the case of sinking: If the vessel is sinking, there is no choice but to abandon it.
• In the case of capsizing.
• In the case of a collision with another vessel.

In any marine accident, the vessel must be abandoned after the master and their officers have evaluated the stability of the vessel. The master will give the order to abandon the vessel, and the crew and passengers must follow specific procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

• The type of boat and fire: Different boat types and fire classes will require unique responses. For example, an engine compartment fire on a boat with an inboard, sterndrive, or waterjet engine will require a different response than a fire on an open deck.
• The severity and spread of the fire: If the fire is growing rapidly and out of control, it may be necessary to abandon ship.
• The availability and effectiveness of fire-fighting equipment: If you do not have the appropriate fire-fighting equipment on board, or if it is not functioning properly, it may be safer to abandon ship.
• The impact on critical systems: If the fire has damaged critical systems, such as navigation or communication equipment, it may be necessary to abandon ship.
• The proximity to shore or other vessels: If you are close to shore or other vessels that can provide assistance, it may be safer to evacuate rather than fight the fire.
• The number of people on board: In the case of a passenger vessel, the large number of people that need to be evacuated may influence the decision to abandon ship.
• The safety of the crew and passengers: The primary consideration is always the safety of the crew and passengers. If their lives are at risk, it is imperative to abandon ship.

Remember, good seamanship demands that you make your own plan and preparations for fires aboard. Clear thinking and quick actions will be required in an emergency.

Frequently asked questions