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Outdoors > Boating

Getting away from it all is great, for just a few days or for a few weeks. Taking the caravan and getting off the beaten track ... getting in the boat and exploring canals, lochs or coastal waters.<

But you’ll need to do more than check the weather forecast. Always remember, fires don’t take holidays.

And fires can be even more terrifying when you’re on your own, off the beaten track. Or when you’re at sea and you’ve nowhere safe to escape to.

Fire can be dangerous and terrifying event – even when escape to a place of safety is relatively easy, its effects become even more serious when escape is either difficult or leads to a place of other danger.

The guidance contained in the following sections is aimed at minimising the risks of fire and explosion on a small craft, regardless of where these craft are used:

• Inland waterways; Sea Lochs; Coastal Waters; The Open Sea

Get Wise

• Make a fire plan – always check that your exit is clear
• Fit and maintain a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and smoke alarm
• Never leave children or pets alone in a caravan or boat
• Make sure everyone knows where firefighting equipment is at the site/marina

Fire Extinguishers

The type of fire extinguisher required will depend on the length of the boat and should be provided in line with the following guidance:

Ensure fire extinguishers are approved to current standards and maintained in good order for immediate use. In addition, where cooking facilities exist, a fire blanket complying with BS6575 should be provided.

Visit our page on Fire Extinguishers

Before you Set Off

Fire Safety Equipment –

• Change the battery in the smoke alarm, test the alarm, and vacuum the casing inside and out
• Check that your fire extinguisher has been serviced
• Check that you have a fire blanket

Electrical System –

• Check that cables and fittings aren’t showing signs of wear or damage
• Check that circuit breakers are working
• Make sure the battery is secured in a wellventilated locker
• Make sure electrical appliances are secured

Gas Supply –

• Check that hoses aren’t perished or cracked
• Use soapy water to check for leaks
• Make sure the pilot light is working
• Check the cooker and heater controls
• Make sure that cylinders are secured in a well-ventilated locker above the water line, or secured on deck away from hatches
• Make sure gas appliances are secured
  

Under Way

Make sure that the gas supply is disconnected and gas appliances are turned off.

When you’re refuelling –

• Turn off all cooking, heating and lighting appliances
• Close all doors/hatches to keep out flammable vapours
• Extinguish cigarettes and all naked flames
• Mop up any spillage
• Refuel on shore, never on board

Don’t carry spare petrol unless it’s essential –

• If you must carry spare petrol, store a limited supply only in approved containers
• Make sure that all containers are secured

In a Fire

• Get everyone out/on deck quickly
• Take fire extinguishers on deck with you
• Call the fire service/coastguard
• Only tackle the fire if it’s safe to do so
• Seal off vents and hatches to reduce air getting in
• If possible, isolate petrol and gas
• Never go back into the caravan/cabin
• In a boat, prepare to use the dinghy or life raft