
Fueling your boat carelessly can result in major bodily harm for people and pets, as well as be environmentally and financially costly. The following information addresses some of the most common issues regarding boat fires and pollution prevention.
The following actions can be taken to prevent many spills or reduce the environmental impact.
If there is a significant fuel spill, contact 9-1-1 immediately. The quicker your report, the more effectively fire or other agency personnel can contain and recover the spill.
While some of the safety factors are the same as refueling an automobile, some additional safety precautions should be taken when refueling a boat. The following refueling safety tips will help prevent explosions and accidents.
Many boat fires begin from electrical malfunctions. Potential problems include old wiring, faulty installation of a battery, or damage to a boat’s shore-power inlet. Regular inspection of engines for damage and timely replacement of critical parts could prevent a considerable amount of boat fires.
If the size of the fire is beyond what a single portable extinguisher can put out, it is best to evacuate and call for professional firefighters. Your life is infinitely more valuable than than your boat.
Fires are classified based on the material that is burning and fire extinguishers are rated based on the class of fire that they are effective against. A Type ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher is effective against Class A, B, and C fires; having one on-board can help save time in an emergency by eliminating the need to determine the class of a fire. Be sure that the extinguishers on your boat are within quick reach, inspected regularly and replaced when necessary. For more information on fire extinguishers, visit BoatUS.org.