Common causes of small boat fires

Ruptured fuel line
Damaged electrical cable
Overloaded plug outlet
Bridged fuse
Smoking in unauthorised areas
Oil-soaked rags spontaneously combusting
Poor ventilation or backfire control
Improper fueling procedures
Hot exhaust pipes from engines or stoves setting fire to the deck
Personal heaters
Exposed light bulbs
Arcing motor
Faulty switch
Spark from a heavy tool dropping
No drip pans under fuel pumps or fittings where there is a possibility of fuel leakage into bilges

Information From Transport Canada. Other marine safety publications are available at Transport Canada Marine Safety Publication Menu

How to choose a marina with good fire safety practices

A marina with good fire safety practices will look well-maintained, have clear dock passageways, adequate security and good lighting. Electrical, fire and safety inspections will be up to date.

Look for neglected boats, which can be a fire hazard for everyone at the marina. Ask other boat owners if fire safety is enforced by the marina management. Is there training available for fueling procedures? Do they check boats for safe winterizing? There should be a posted evacuation diagram. Look at the available fire extinguishing equipment. Has it been inspected and maintained? Is there a fire monitoring system? How accessible is the location? Can fire trucks get close enough to do their job?

The final item to check is that the marina carries adequate insurance in case the worst does happen.

Fire extinguishers and smoke detection on boats

The number of fire extinguishers required on a recreational boat is based on the overall length of the boat. Other conditions that require extinguishes are: inboard engine,enclosed compartments,compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull, or which are not completely filled with flotation materials, enclosed living spaces,enclosed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored, or there are permanently installed fuel tanks.Check with the Coast Guard regulations in your area.

It is a good idea to always have a marine fire extinguisher on board and know how to use it, whether it is required or not. It should be hand portable, either B-I or B-II classification and have a specific marine type-mounting bracket. This Kidde Marine Fire Protection PDF document has useful pictures and detailed product information.

Extinguishers should be mounted away from the areas where a fire could likely start, such as the galley or the engine compartment. Fire extinguishers should be mounted near an exit, so you are moving toward an exit as you access the extinguisher.

Smoke alarms and CO detectors are inexpensive life saving devices and should be installed in your boat on every enclosed level.

The role of personal floatation devices in surviving a fire on the water

It would be a tremendous tragedy to survive a fire onboard and then drown because a personal flotation device was not readily accessible. More than 90% of boating-related deaths are from drowning. And 80% of those drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device or life jacket.Each person aboard a vessel should wear a life jacket. Each PFD should be in good condition, the correct size, and "readily accessible". A PFD is not considered readily accessible for children under twelve years old unless the child wears it.