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Thank you to those that took part in our fire simulation drill today.
None of the staff or berth holders were told the time or location of the 'fire' until the moment the simulation began to encourage realistic conditions. There were many learnings to take away and build on, which only reinforces the importance of practice drills. We will be running simulations regularly and encourage all berth holders to take part.
Today during our simulation, we were alerted that there was a 'fire' on a boat on BG17. As per plan, our maintenance team inspected whilst the office team evacuated berth holders on each dock using fire megaphone sirens, voice alerts and portable fire evacuators. Luckily on this occasion, our team identified the fire was caused by a toaster letting off more smoke than flames and were able to attend to the issue!
However, in a real life scenario, we may not be so lucky. With gas canisters and flammables on board, there may be very little time for us to control and contain the fire before it spreads out of control...
As members of our marina community, your safety and the safety of your vessels are of paramount importance to us. While we all enjoy the tranquility and beauty that life on the water offers, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential risks that come with it. One such risk is fire. Boat fires are rare but can have devastating consequences. To ensure we are all prepared, I’d like to take a moment to emphasise the importance of fire drills and boat fire safety.
Why Fire Drills Are Essential
Fire drills are not just a formality—they are a crucial practice that can make the difference between a controlled situation and a disaster. Here’s why:
Immediate Response: In the event of a fire, every second counts. Fire drills help you and your crew react swiftly and effectively, reducing panic and confusion.
Familiarity with Safety Equipment: During drills, you’ll have the chance to familiarize yourself with your boat’s fire safety equipment. Knowing the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency exits can save precious time.
Practice Makes Perfect: Regular drills help you refine your response plan, ensuring that everyone aboard knows their role and how to execute it under pressure.
Legal and Insurance Compliance: Many insurance policies and maritime laws require regular safety drills. Adhering to these practices not only keeps you compliant but can also protect you legally and financially in the event of an incident.
Key Elements of Boat Fire Safety
Fire Prevention:
Regularly inspect your boat's electrical systems. Faulty wiring is a common cause of fires.
Store flammable liquids like fuel and cleaning supplies in proper containers, away from heat sources.
Never leave cooking appliances unattended. Galley fires can start quickly and spread even faster.
2. Fire Extinguishers:
Ensure you have the correct type and number of fire extinguishers on board. The general recommendation is to have at least one Class B extinguisher, suitable for fires involving flammable liquids like fuel and oil.
Regularly check that your extinguishers are fully charged and within their service date.
3. Escape Routes:
Know your boat’s escape routes. In case of fire, it’s vital to have a clear path to safety.
Keep these routes clear of obstructions at all times.
4. Communication:
Ensure your VHF radio is operational to call for help in an emergency.
Consider having a secondary means of communication, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof case or a personal locator beacon.
5. Evacuation Plan:
You will need to evacuate the marina in the event of a fire. Please see evacuation plan below. Ensure your life jackets are easily accessible and in good condition.
Discuss and practice your evacuation plan with everyone on board, so there is no hesitation if the time comes to leave the vessel.
6. Marina-Specific Protocols:
Familiarize yourself with the marina's fire response protocols, including the location of emergency stations and how to alert marina staff quickly. The location of fire equipment is on all marina maps in the office and on the gates. You can see the location of fire equipment on the
Consider participating in marina-wide fire drills to improve coordination among berth holders and marina personnel.
What to Do in Case of a Fire
Stay Calm: Panic can lead to mistakes. Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
Raise the Alarm: Alert everyone on board and the marina as quickly as possible.
Fight the Fire: If the fire is small and manageable, use your extinguisher to put it out. Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames.
Evacuate If Necessary: If the fire is out of control, focus on getting everyone off the boat safely and call for help.
Your safety is our priority, and being prepared is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your vessel. Regular fire drills and a solid understanding of boat fire safety can prevent a small incident from becoming a catastrophe. Let’s work together to ensure our marina remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
We encourage you to take the time to review and practice these safety measures with your crew and to participate in any upcoming fire drills organized by the marina.
Safe boating!
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