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What do you think you should do if a fire starts on your yacht and your god has abandoned you?
Did you know that 90% of fires start in the engine room, usually due to faulty or corroded electrical wiring – it only takes one spark!
Did you know that fire expands at the rate of 100% every 60 seconds!
So what do these two important bits of information tell you? …………they tell me that I don’t have much time to put out the fire, that is if I can, and if I can’t, what other steps should i be taking whilst I’m trying to put out the fire?
I’m not going to talk about the types of fires as there are up to seven or more fire categories, it is sufficient for me tonight to confine my talk to fires categorised a, b and c as these are the fires for which we have fire fighting equipment on our yachts, such as c02 fire extinguishers, fire blankets and water. Some of you might have taken the extra precaution and acquired additional fire fighting or fire suppressing equipment and there are many automated fire suppressing D.I.Y. Systems that you can install for as little as $200.00 upwards in your yacht. A simple smoke alarm may keep you safe at night when you are asleep, and it’s simple to install.
I also will not talk about the various fire fighting equipment on the market as those matters are governed by the rules of racing and government, however i will talk to you about how to use all the readily available “tools” on your yacht in the event that a fire flares up on your yacht.
So here we go:
Given that you literally have only a few seconds to make a decision as to whether you can or cannot put out or suppress the fire you should also take the necessary steps to abandon ship, just in case you can’t put out the fire or the yacht blows up!……. And they do, without warning!
I THINK YOU MUST DO BOTH.
Both actions should be taken simultaneously by instructing your crew what to do, you, the skipper should remain in command at all times to coordinate matters, as well as steer the yacht. You can’t do everything so delegate to trusted, experienced crew specific tasks, unless you’re solo, then you’re on your own to do what you can.
These are the steps I suggest that you implement immediately:
- Appoint one or more experienced crew member to locate the fire extinguishers and the source of the fire and try to put it out using the P.A.S.S. method.
- Appoint other experienced crew members to prepare to abandon ship by:
- Sending out a mayday signal continuously
- Activate your EPIRB
- Issue life jackets to all and a water bottle if possible
- Prepare or find the grab-bag, ensure that it has a medical kit, flares, hand bearing compass etc
- Prepare the life raft for launching, and have life rings ready to be used
- Secure torches and knives and food for as many crew as possible.
- Appoint remaining crew members to fill buckets with sea-water as they might be able to assist in putting out the fire or douse flames on crew, clothing etc. REMEMBER: water will not put out an electrical fire but will put out a methylated spirit stove fire. Unfortunately water will spread all other fuel based fires.
- Turn off your engine, continuing to run the engine may damage it. (you will need it later if you successfully put out the fire). Remember it may be the principle cause of the fire.
- SWITCH OFF ALL BATTERIES at the master switch. this will stop an electrical fire receiving further energy to keep it going, BUT WON’T PUT OUT THE FIRE. This is where water can be used.
- Turn off petrol or diesel fuel at the tank or anywhere else were there will be no leakage of fuel into the bilge.
- Turn off all gas bottles at the bottle.
- Any spare crew should be deployed to assist the trained crew to attack the fire from the forehead entry hatch or the cockpit (do not let crew to stay down below without an escape route, as the fumes might kill them).
The PASS system
P = PULL THE PIN
A = AIM AT THE BASE OF THE FIRE
S = SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER
S = SWEEP SIDE TO SIDE AIMING AT THE BASE OF THE FIRE
Well, there you have it. These 8 steps have to be initiated and hopefully executed within 60 seconds, if you don’t, chances are you will have to abandon ship.
If you have brought the fire under control, don’t stop, keep at it until there is no heat, smoke or flames and look for damage to all areas and appliances. Fibreglass catches on fire at 260°C, that’s not much heat. Now is the time to pour water on the damaged areas to ensure you have extinguished the fire.
Do not start the engine, this may have been the cause of the fire, besides to do so you will have to switch on the batteries and fuel, this could resurrect the fire again! Double check these items and be ready to switch them off if a fire breaks out.
If you can sail, then that is what you should be doing. REMEMBER, IF THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING WHEN FIRE WAS DETECTED SHUT IT DOWN UNTIL IT IS SAFE TO START IT.
The mayday signal should then be changed to “PAN” – or “SECURITE” depending on your circumstances. Take note of where you are.
See how your crew are coping. You will be amazed how some of them will be extremely distressed and not know what to do.
So what have you discovered so far?
Firstly, you cannot put out the fire and carry out the 8 steps i have outlined without engaging the help of your crew. So FIRE DRILL PRACTICE with your permanent crew is a must. Visitors should be allocated simple tasks as they will be unfamiliar with the boat and its equipment. Permanent crew on the other hand should be familiar with the location of fire fighting and life saving equipment and how to use it.
I suggest that you make a diagram of the interior layout of your yacht showing where fire extinguishers, life jackets and grab bag are located and ensure that your crew read and understand it. Also, show it to your visitors when they come on board. Fire drill is not novel, it is a discipline that has to be practised, just as it is practised on commercial ships, airlines and commercial buildings, you too should get in to the habit.
I have had personal experience with fires on different yachts on three separate occasions. The first one was due to a petrol engine carburettor leak, caused by engine vibrations and the second one (different yacht – but nevertheless a petrol engine) when the spark arrestor failed, due to verdigris build up, and finally on a diesel powered boat when the electrical wiring shorted on a 24v system during gale force seas, which caused a fire to start near the battery box, setting the electrical loom of the boat on fire. On each occasion, I was able to act quickly, with the assistance of my crew and stop the fire………….. Without major damage.
Remember C02 fire extinguishers have a limited amount of fuel suppressant and range. So use them properly, merely pointing the fire extinguisher at a fire will not put out the fire. Learn the P.A.S.S. Protocol and teach your crew. It’s your best chance to put out a fire using a fire extinguisher.
Remember, fire blankets are excellent for putting out cooking fires and for use as a shield if you need to get to the seat of the fire, they may also be useful if you abandon ship. Carry as many extra ones as you can, they require no maintenance. Once used, discard them as they are not reusable.
Above all, remember the best way to put out a fire on a yacht is by “PREVENTION”. By that I mean that you have installed all the fire fighting/suppression equipment you can deploy and have trained yourself and each of your crew how to use it.
I forgot to mention, that you should store your aerosol cans such as WD40, fog horn, ether start, well away from the engine and cooking areas as they will explode once exposed to heat without warning. Same applies to spare fuel containers.
Also, make sure you are fully insured for everything, boat, crew and property. Fires are costly and fatal!
Lastly, I believe that the most important matter for you to consider, is to ensure that you have an in-line fuse in the positive cable between the battery and the main switch board. (I suggest a ceramic enclosed type). However, as you cannot have a fuse from the battery to the starter motor of your engine, it is essential that you are able to switch off all the batteries at the master or main switch, this is paramount.
The main or master switch should be located as close as possible to the companionway so that you don’t have to go below to turn it off. Likewise, any fuel cock should be located similarly. I note that most fuel cocks are located near the fuel tank, which in many yachts may be difficult to reach in the panic of a fire IF AT ALL.
Always assume that your fire will occur during the night when making your plans to install or locate your fire fighting equipment, EPIRBs torches, life jackets, life raft, water, you don’t get a second chance, so choose their location wisely. Remember, your god has abandoned you.
by Alex Comino
S/V Bloodhound
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