FIRE ONBOARD: THE VALUE
OF VESSEL EXAMS
OMMODORE VIN PICA, First
District, Southern Region
(D1SR), United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, recently addressed the subject of fire hazards and responses in his article “Vessel Afire!” posted on the Coast Guard Compass, the Official Blog of the United States Coast Guard.
After prevention, the first line of defense against a vessel fire are its fire extinguishers, classified into “A”, “B” and “C” types (there is also a less common type “D” for chemical/combustible metals fires such as would be created by some flares). Each of these extinguishers come in sizes (based on pounds of suppressant). For the private boater, size 1 (I) or 2 (II) are the most common and manageable; the minimum number of extinguishers required depends upon the size of the vessel COMO Pica explained.
Commodore Pica pointed out that even more often than overheated engines and fuel leaks, most boat fires are due to electrical problems attributable to wiring or appliance failures. The Commodore also distinguished an electrical fire caused by a frayed or chafed wire from one which is fed by a malfunctioning and over-heated inverter or generator. A frayed wire may set material aflame while overheated equipment can generate enough heat sufficient to ignite other materials.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiners in all aspects, are the front line with Recreational Boaters. The material and knowledge mastered to gain the qualification to perform vessel exams, is invaluable to boating safety. Our one-on-one sharing of boating safety can save lives and property. Recreational boaters view vessel examiners as experts, and rely on our expertise for knowledge about safety equipment, how to use the equipment safely, and provide assistance and guidance in local knowledge and fire safety. Article prepared by Linda Lakin & Richard Kaye Kaye
[https://compass.coastguard.blog].
C
Address by
COMO Vin Pica