Boat fires can spread quickly: Know the risks
02/17/2021
Boat fires can very quickly get out of control and end in the loss of the vessel. Even a small fire can cause extensive damage, due to the heat or quite often extensive smoke damage.
In 2020 boat fire claim payments increased to be the highest payment made by N&G. That is why we have put together the following information for you and your clients.
What is the main cause of a boat fire?
Boat fires tend to be due to electrical faults, internal wiring as well as shore power surges, however it is also worth noting that overheating in the engine room compartments can start due to problems with the engine cooling system not functioning properly, highlighting the importance of getting this regularly maintained. Blockages in the system either at the inlet or in the system due to it not being flushed and cleaned can start a fire.
It is also important to check the lagging as heat from the exhausts could cause issues with the heat protection failing.
Once a fire starts, with all the flammable items normally found in an engine room a fire can get out of control very quickly.
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are a common cause. Wiring is often hidden, and a fire can go undetected for some time. Due to the marine environment in which a boat sits, this can accelerate corrosion on parts of a boats electrical system, coupled with vibrations which can cause chaffing of the wire covering leading to electrical shorting, resulting in a fire. It is important to get all electrics regularly checked for any damage.
Gallery Fires
These are very similar to what you would find in any home ashore and therefore most people would take the same precautions as they would in a house. Sometimes though, galleys on boats can be a little more cramped, therefore if a fire does occur on the stove, it can spread quickly.
Typically, engine room and cooker fires can be more dangerous as it is more likely that there will be someone on board at the time and therefore there is a risk of injury too.
Suggestion for fire protection:
- Fit smoke alarms and test them regularly
- Fit gas leak detectors
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm
- Keep cabin ventilation clear to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes
- Ensure all hobs burners have a flame supervision device to shut-off the gas if the flame is blown out
- Keep fabrics like curtains away from cooking hobs
- Keep fire blankets and extinguishers within easy reach, close to exits and risk points, such as the galley and engine area
- Check the dates on extinguishers and fire blankets and service or replace them as advised
- Familiarise yourself with how to use any extinguishers on board
Fuel and Power Safety
- Ensure regular maintenance is carried out of the boats fuel and engine systems
- Don’t let oil or debris build-up in the bilges
- Inspect surfaces and items adjacent to exhausts for signs of heat damage or charring
- Check exhaust systems of inboard engines for leaks
- Check for loose fuel joints, damaged fuel tanks or deteriorating hoses
- Take care when refuelling, put out naked flames first and turn off the engine or any cooking before handling any fuel
- Prevent petrol vapour from entering the boat by closing the doors, windows or hatches and closing the awning
- Refuel outboard engines and generators well away from the boat
- Only carry spare petrol if necessary and store it in a self-draining locker or on open deck
For more information on boat safety please visit the Boat Safety Scheme Website.
If you would like further information on N&G or to discuss development opportunities on pleasure craft insurance, please call our Development Manager Charles Knight on 07875 398597 or email Charles.knight@uk.zurich.com.
