Module 4 - Safety
Fire Safety
What you will learn
Prevent common onboard fires and make an alarm-isolate-escape decision using an extinguishing medium suited to the burning material.
On a boat, the first fire-fighting decision is whether the fire can be attacked without losing the escape route. Raise the alarm and protect people before trying to save the vessel.
Prevention starts with maintained fuel and electrical systems, clean bilges, correctly installed gas equipment, secured flammable liquids and cooking that is never left unattended. Fire extinguishers must be visible, accessible and positioned so a crew member does not have to move through the fire to reach one; keep a suitable fire blanket close to cooking facilities.
The fire triangle is a decision model: sustained fire needs fuel, heat and oxygen. Safely shutting off gas or fuel removes the fuel supply; cooling removes heat; closing a space or stopping ventilation can reduce oxygen. None of these actions is worth trapping a crew member or feeding the fire by opening the wrong hatch.
Use an extinguishing medium rated for the burning material. Water is for suitable Class A solid-material fires and must not be used on liquid, gas or electrical fires. Dry powder can cover several classes but creates residue, reduces visibility and can affect breathing. CO2 can be effective on small Class B and live electrical fires, but it disperses in the open and can create an asphyxiating atmosphere in a confined space. A fire blanket can be effective on a small cooking-oil or pan fire when it can be applied without leaning into danger.
If fire is discovered, shout the alarm, account for the crew and keep the escape route behind you. Stop engines, fuel, gas, electrical supply or ventilation only where it is safe and appropriate; use the correct equipment from a protected position. Make the distress call early if people or vessel are in grave and imminent danger, and prepare to abandon if the fire cannot be controlled.
Respond without sacrificing the escape route
A small flame appears at the galley cooker. The gas shut-off is reachable without passing the fire and a fire blanket is beside the companionway.
1. Alarm
Call out, make sure the crew can escape and keep the companionway clear.
2. Isolate
If it remains safe, shut off the gas supply and avoid opening or ventilating a space in a way that feeds the fire.
3. Control or leave
Use the suitable blanket or extinguisher from the escape side; withdraw, call MAYDAY and prepare to abandon if control is doubtful.
Sense check: If reaching the shut-off or extinguisher means passing the fire, or smoke and heat are increasing, the attack plan has already failed its safety check.
Common mistake or limitation
- Water can spread burning liquid and create an electrical hazard; never apply it regardless of fire type.
- Opening an engine-space hatch can admit oxygen and produce a dangerous flare-up; use the vessel's designed method and instructions.
- An extinguisher mounted beside the likely fire may be unreachable. Position equipment so it can be reached from an escape route.
Recap
- Prevent fire through maintenance, safe stowage, gas discipline and attended cooking.
- Raise the alarm and preserve escape before isolating supplies or attacking with a correctly rated medium.
- Withdraw and send a distress alert early when the fire cannot be controlled without unacceptable risk.
Optional quick check
Section 4 of 6
A small gas-fed galley fire has started and the shut-off is safely reachable. What is the best first control action after raising the alarm?
Continue studying Safety
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 4. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.