BOAT FIRE TAKEAWAYS FOR A SAFER MARINA

Boat Fire Takeaways for a Safer Marina

Recent fires in Washington, Missouri, Hawaii, New York, and Nevada serve to underscore the fact that all marinas are vulnerable to this type of tragedy. Though none as catastrophic as the Labor Day Conception boat fire in California, they do serve as reminders of how quickly misfortune can strike on water.

While some these fires are still under investigation, there are a few takeaways from these disasters.

Personal Electronic Devices

Nearly every personal electronic device, from cell phones to e-cigs, use highly efficient and very powerful forms of battery technology. But the trade-off is safety issues that have made headlines over the last few years, including stories of batteries self-igniting and causing fires.

In 2016, Samsung suspended sales of its Galaxy Note 7 and instituted an informal recall due to excessive heat in the recharge process causing explosions and starting boat fires. Similar complaints were made with the Apple’s iPhone 6 and 7 as well.

In 2017, the FAA imposed limitations and guidelines on lithium batteries, allowed only as carry-on luggage with spares removed from travel bags and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.

Boat Heaters

In the case of boat heating, the same practices used in portable home heating can be applied to boat heating. Following are a few safety tips and best practices for heating safety:

Owners of gas-powered boats should only use heaters with ignition protection, meaning that no sparks are produced when the heater is powered up.
Heaters should have an internal thermostat that causes automatic shut down if the thermostat fails and won’t allow the unit to overheat.
Winterize your boat to help eliminate the possibility of water lines freezing, which could lead to bilge heater failure.
If using an electric heater, be sure it is connected to a power supply recharger so the battery doesn’t die.
Electric heaters should be properly secured or have a no tip design.
Only use heaters with the UL label.
Keep anything flammable away from heaters.
Inspect all cords and connections before using a heater either on your boat or when using shore power.
Never leave a heater on unattended.

Many older boats were never designed for the power draw that today’s personal electronics require. Here are a few tips for electrical safety:

Check your wiring and replace any that are frayed or appear damage.
Do not use wire nuts but approved marine connectors.
Have your marina or boat mechanic give it a seasonal once-over.

Six Questions Marina Owners and Managers Should Consider:

Check your policies regarding heating, electrical, and propane/gas on boats.

Do you have any specific documentation or sign-offs from your customers acknowledging these policies?
Is it addressed in the slip rental contract?
What training have your staff undergone?
Do you perform regular drills? Weekly, monthly?
How are you disseminating boat fire safety and awareness? Posters? Memos? Emails? Demonstrations?
Do you offer any services to review tenant’s boats for fire hazards, wiring, etc., free or otherwise? Is it part of your slip rental contract, a seasonal inspection?

One thing is certain – fighting a boat fire once started is very difficult, and the best safety measures to take are prevention.

Additional Information:

Are You Prepared for a Boat Fire

Additional Safety Related Articles:

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About MariCorp

Maricorp is one of the largest floating boat dock manufacturing and construction companies in the United States, specializing in galvanized steel floating docks and boat lift systems. With projects spanning coast-to-coast, Maricorp provides marina consultation and design, marine construction, marina repair and renovation, and boat dock disaster response and demolition.