Boating
Boating is enjoyed by many people, in types and designs of boats almost as varied as their users.
Operators of boats should be aware of the various regulations governing the safety of life at sea and must comply with these.
For full details of these requlations, including the minimum requirements for all safety equipment, please visit the Marine Safety Victoria website by clicking here.
Part of the minimum safety equipment requirements for boating in Victoria relates specifically to the number of fire extinguishers on board a vessel.
While having the stipulated number and type of fire extinguishers on board complies with the regulations, please read the following information to ensure the correct use and maitainence of extinguishers.
Siting
Secure extinguishers in a visible position close to, but not on top of, the risk areas they are placed to protect.
For example, the extinguisher in the galley should not be mounted on a bulkhead too close to the stove - if a stove fire occurs the extinguisher may be unreachable, similarly with fuse boards or engine compartments.
Operation
Fire extinguishers are designed for small fires - familiarize yourself with the use of fire extinguishers before any fire occurs.
- Ensure that you know that the extinguisher will operate (check gauge or weight, invert dry powder extinguishers and shake to loosen the powder).
- Read the instructions regarding how to release the safety pin
- Know which way to point it and its range and;
- Know the types of fires it can be used on
If a fire occurs the extinguishers must be used instantly.
If you are delayed by looking for the extinguisher, reading the instructions, extracting it from layers of plastic or from under the life jackets, the fire which is continuing to grow may be too large for the extinguisher.
Other Quick Safety Tips Include
- Ensure adequate ventilation and no ignition sources whilst fuelling (including allowing motors to cool down).
- Turn off LPG Cylinders at the cylinder when appliances are not in use.
- Maintain electrical equipment (a significant cause of fires on vessels).
- Ventilate battery compartments adequately.
- Install a fire blanket close to galley areas.
note: flammable vapours are heavier than air and accumulate in the lower parts of a vessel
Finally - make sure you install a smoke alarm on all vessels where people sleep. Consider a bracket arrangement which allows for temporary installation whilst the vessel is being used.
For more information about fire protection on recreational vessels including the number of extinguishers required and the minimum size, download the PDF here.