Fire is one of the most life-threatening hazards on a vessel. Imagine you are taking a nice cruise on the serene waters, enjoying a sunset, and suddenly, wham! A fire breaks out. With limited options at your hand, fire hazards are better prevented than fought on a small vessel. You have a limited set of options to fight the fire on board. So, in this article, let’s discuss how you can prevent fire from breaking out onboard by following certain fire safety protocols on small recreational vessels in South Africa.
Understanding the Risks
The most common causes of a fire breaking out on boats are faulty wiring, fuel leaks, or cooking going wrong. Now, we all love recreational boating in South Africa. However, we are also at the increased risk of experiencing fire hazards onboard due to warm weather, high fuel usage, and, of course… being lax on maintaining your vessel.
Now, if you are using gasoline for any activities onboard, consider your risks doubled if you are not careful. But, if you understand the risks, you can finally take a step towards preventing fires onboard.
Fire Safety on Small Recreational Vessels in South Africa
Prevention is better than cure, so goes the old saying.
The best way to fight fire onboard is to never have fire onboard, ever!
So, what can you do to prevent fire onboard? Let’s talk about it.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection have NO SUBSTITUTES.
When it comes to maintaining your boat, never duck out on it. When you purchase a boat, your manual often has scheduled maintenance and recommendations on maintenance frequency. We cannot stress enough on the importance of following the schedule diligently.
One of the most important areas to monitor is the fuel system. Ensure that there are no leaks and that all fuel channels and fittings are in good condition. If you are using a diesel engine, maintaining it by yourself could be difficult and so, must be taken to a professional caretaker. However, petrol-based engines are easier to sustain and maintain by yourself as well.
On that note, consider using ethanol-free gasoline in your tanks. Ethanol can attract moisture… and we all know how bad moisture can be for an engine.
Make sure there are NO loose electric wires…
Overloaded circuits, exposed wires, and old batteries are some of the common catalysts for a fire hazard onboard. While you do not have to maintain the electrical circuits as often as an engine, you may want to take a look at the condition of wiring and circuit boards often. Make sure there are no loose wires and such.
All wiring onboard should be installed by an experienced and qualified technician. It is a great practice to test and make sure all electrical systems are in excellent order before each outing.
Are you Cooking onboard? Exercise Great Caution!
Cooking food while you are out at sea is its own experience that we cannot express in words. But, we also cannot express in words how it can go significantly wrong!!
Exercise great caution. If you are cooking onboard, consider getting a gimballed stove. These stoves are designed to stay level despite the heaves and sways. Besides that, store flammable liquids such as cleaning products and fuels away from any ignition sources—definitely away from the engine components—and in properly ventilated compartments.
We have a whole another article on how to get cooking right on a boat. Check it out!
Follow These Fire Safety Precautions for a Safer, Enjoyable Experience
Practising these fire safety precautions on small recreational vessels in South Africa are essential as they can ensure an enjoyable, unforgettable experience in South Africa.
I mean, having a fire onboard can also give you an unforgettable experience… but that is not what we are looking for now, are we?
Jokes apart, remember to always follow the rules of the road, stand by the fire prevention and safety precautions and have a safe and memorable boating experience in South Africa. Also, remember to carry a fire extinguisher on board at all times. This is a must according to the SAMSA rules and regulations.
If you are looking for a boating license (RYA or SAMSA Skippers), Sail and Power SA can assist you. Feel free to connect with us for more information.