Long Island Marine Surveyor

Telephone 631 589-6154  Fax 631 563-3758

 NFPA USSA  FMANA SNAME USNI ABYC 

Long Island Marine Surveyor 631-589-6154

Fire Safety

Fixed Halon extinguisher

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are  require as follows

On vessels under 16 feet one extinguisher is required

On 26 feet or more in length one extinguisher.

On boats over 26 feet but under 40 feet two extinguishers and one fixed extinguishing system in machinery space.

On boats over 40 feet but under 65 feet three extinguishers and two fixed extinguishing system in machinery space.

All motorboats shall carry at least the minimum number of hand portable fire extinguishers , except that motor boats less that 26 feet in length, propelled by outboard motors and not carrying passengers for hire, need not carry such portable fire extinguishers if the construction of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.

Fire extinguishers on boats must be properly mounted to provide quick access in case of fire.  Extinguisher should be mount at approximately eye level in areas where they are readily accessible.  Extinguishers must be have a gauge which indicates the charge of that extinguisher.  

 When operated an extinguisher must be aimed at the base of the fire to fully extinguish it.  During emergencies most people will operate an extinguisher for the first time.  Inexperience in extinguishing fires often leads to less effective use of extinguishers, that is why surveyors often recommend more that the required number of fire extinguishers on most vessels. 

Portable hand held extinguisher

Hand extinguishers are recommended at the helm, in the galley at each sleeping area and at cabin entrances.  Fixed extinguishing systems are usually located in the engine compartment or any compartment that has boat machinery.

Combustible gas detector 

A combustible/flammable gas detector is always recommended.  This should sound an alarm at the helm (steering station) should flammable vapors accumulate.  A combustible gas detector tells if it is safe to start your engine.  A combustible/ flammable gas detector is not expensive and the cost of an explosion far outweighs the cost of a detector. 

Halon or equivalent.

Halon 1301 is the most widely use extinguishing system today.  I has been used for years and proven itself very effective.  Halon although still presently installed in many boats is no longer accessible over the counter.  Halon was that chemical that damages the ozone layer and congress has taxed it making it too expensive to continuing using for boats.  Several comparable extinguishing systems are presently available.  It is recommended that a fixed fire extinguishing system as Halon 1211 or 1301 or equitant be located in and inboard engine compartment and be both automatically and manually triggered by controls located at the helmsman position in case of fire. This system should be inspected annually by a certified inspector and tagged with its date of inspection to provide proper protection as per NFPA standards.

Other considerations

Battery charging produces hydrogen gas which is and explosive gas.  Where ever battery are charged ventilation must be provided.  Hydrogen is lighter that air.  A fixed extinguishing system or combustible/ flammable gas detector may be recommended at this location.  

LPG systems for cooking should have emergency shut down both at the cylinder and at the appliance.  Cylinders should be kept in a compartment specific for its storage and vented to the outside air.  Ventilation is at the lower part of this compartment since LPG is heavier that air.  Fixed extinguishers are sometimes placed at locations to extinguish fire that may result from LPG systems.  (See NFPA, USCG and ABYC directives and recommendations for more specific information).

Fire safety aboard a vessel is imperative and should be given the utmost consideration.  A survey will usually produce recommendations regarding fire safety.  When considering fire aboard a vessel you can't be careful enough.   Long Island Marine  Surveyors always address fire safety in all our surveys.

Please contact us directly at neboaters@aol.com we would be happy to assist you in answering any questions that you may have.

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