FIRE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Gasoline fumes are heavier than air. Fuel and fumes on board need only a spark to explode or start a blaze. Fires need three things: heat (such as a match or spark from the ignition), fuel (gasoline, propane, etc.), and oxygen (air). Removing any of the aforementioned fire elements can extinguish the fire.
IF YOUR BOAT IS UNDERWAY AND A FIRE STARTS:
-
Stop the engine immediately — this should always be your FIRST action!
-
Ensure everyone is wearing a PFD.
-
Position the boat so that the fire is downwind (the wind will blow the fire away from the boat).
-
Try to separate the fuel source from the fire.
-
Use the extinguisher to try and put out the fire.
USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
-
Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
-
Pull the pin and squeeze the two levers together.
-
Use a sweeping motion with the extinguisher while maintaining focus on the base of the fire.
-
Continue to extinguish until the fire is COMPLETELY out.
