What To Do if There Is a Fire on Your Boat

Fire breakouts are rare but one of the most terrifying accidents you can encounter while on board a boat. Assistance may take a while to arrive and the only chance you have at saving your life is by jumping into the water. If you’re on the open waters, you must know what quick action to take in a situation like this. There should be appropriate safety equipment on board and you must know how to abandon your ship.

Have Proper Safety Equipment on Board

It’s important that you make every effort possible to fight the fire and have proper safety equipment for all the passengers. Here are the accessories you must have on board:

Marine fire extinguisher

Make sure you’re aware of the latest government-issued regulations for fire protection. According to the United States  Coast Guard (USCG), you must carry a number of UL-rated USCG-approved 5-B or 20-B fire extinguishers for boats 65 feet in length. Make sure you buy appropriate ones depending on the size of your boat.

Personal floatation device

Every passenger should be wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device). You want to make sure there are enough lifejackets on board for each passenger.

VHF (very high frequency) marine radio

It’s a worldwide system of two-way radio transfers on ships. Make sure you’ve got yours so you can call for assistance if required.

Here’s What You Must Immediately Do

1. See if the fire broke out around the engine space. If that is the case, shut off the fuel supply at once.
2. Make sure everybody has a lifejacket on. Shout it out loud so everybody can prepare themselves.
3. If you can, summon help with your VHF radio at once.
4. Grab the fire extinguisher and aim it at the base of the flames. Move back and forth over the base so you’re able to put out the fire faster.
5. In most situations, doing this will put out the fire. If the fire is extensive, you’ll need more manpower to put it out.
6. Once you’re done, make sure there are no remaining micro flames.
7. Return to the shore and perform a thorough checkup of the boat. 

How To Abandon Your Boat if There Is a Fire

If you’re unable to put out the fire, you’ll need to abandon the ship.

1. Use the VHF radio and call for help.
2. Make sure everybody has a lifejacket on. 
3. Move the vessel to the windward side — just in case the boat drifts and spreads fuel in the water. Make everybody jump towards the opposite side.
4. Help others calm down, stick together, find a shore and wait for help.

What To Do if Fire Breaks Out on Another Boat

If you’re out on the waters and you notice unease on another boat, immediately reach out to them to help. In case there’s a fire, stay on the windward side. Remember, your first priority is helping the passengers, and then comes the boat.

Final Thoughts: Reduce the Risk

Make sure you and your crew have gone through enough fire drills. We advise practicing regularly. In addition to fuel fires, overheated grease in the galley, overheated engine, poor wiring and rags in contact with the exhaust system are some common causes of fire on a boat. Before getting on board, make sure to properly refuel the tank and that there are no leaks.