2.7.20 Fire prevention

DANGER

On all yachts, fire is a major danger. Therefore, all fire prevention measures must be followed scrupulously.

Before running a yacht, the Captain must be perfectly aware of the following fire prevention measures.
At all times the yacht must be equipped with portable extinguishers, located as shown on figure “Safety equipment arrangement”.

CAUTION

The batteries gas can explode. Keep batteries away from sparkles and flames. Use a light to check the electrolyte level.
The sulphuric acid of the batteries is poisonous. It can hurt the skin, corrode clothes and cause blindness if it reaches the eyes.
To avoid dangers:
- Top-up batteries in a well ventilated area.
- Wear protective glasses and rubber gloves.
- Avoid inhaling vapours when filling distilled water.
- Avoid spilling or dropping the electrolyte.
If the acid hits the body:
- Wash skin with water.
- If the acid is splashed into the eyes, wash with water for at least 15 minutes. Ask immediately for a doctor for the relevant treatment.
- If the acid has been swallowed, ask immediately for a doctor for the relevant treatment.

The vessel’s Owner and the Captain are directly responsible for:

Having the fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment overhauled as scheduled on their label, and having them replaced, as required by the rules in force; with similar or equivalent or higher capacity ones;
Informing the crew about the location and use of fire extinguishers and fire fighting systems and escape routes;
Ensuring that fire extinguishers are available also in the passengers’ cabins.

WARNING

NEVER:

To obstruct the access to passageways and escape routes;
To hinder the access to safety devices, such as fuel valves, electrical switches, etc..;
Obstruct the access to fire extinguishers stowed inside the lockers;
Leave the yacht unattended, when burners or heat generating equipment are on;
Use open flames;
Modify electrical or fuel supply systems, without consulting custom line beforehand;
Smoke near or when handling flammable materials;
Stow highly flammable materials (such as fuel, diluents, etc..) In proximity of heat sources, such as engines, galley, etc..;
Stow flammable material in the engine room. Non-flammable materials may be stowed only if properly rigged, so they do not come accidentally into contact with engine rotating parts, or obstruct access to the engine room.

Keep the bilge clean and inspect it frequently for any oil or fuel leakage.

CAUTION

The garage of this yacht is equipped with a dry powder fire-fighting system.

CAUTION

The engine and technical rooms of this yacht are equipped with a FM-200 fire fighting system.

CAUTION

In case fire breaks out in proximity of electrical equipment, do not use water, but use the manual dry-powder fire extinguishers only. After using the extinguishers, leave and ventilate the area immediately before re-approaching it, in order to prevent asphyxia and physical harm.
Clean any fire extinguishing powder out very carefully.

In addition to these requirements, CUSTOM LINE recommends what follows:

Do not smoke below deck and especially in the garage, technical room and engines room area;
Keep the bilge clean by avoiding pouring liquids, especially in the engine room. Should engines or generators leak fuel in the bilge, operate as follows:
- Stop all engines immediately;
- Locate the leak cause and, if possible, repair it after closure of supply valves;
- Dry and clean the bilge before restarting the engines, without draining at sea or in the harbour.
Do not stow flammable items in proximity of heat sources, like engines, burners, halogen lamps, etc..;
In case the yacht leaks, try to remedy with plugs and/or rags, if possible, from outside;
In case a system of the yacht breaks, close all hull valves, locate and repair the leak if possible. Remember to reopen all hull valves not involved.

CAUTION

The Captain of a pleasure yacht must be perfectly aware of the basic fire fighting techniques and how to use the extinguishers.

In case of fire, follow the procedures described herein after:

Keep calm and do not spread panic among the passengers;
Stop the yacht, close sea cocks and drains;
Set the battery breaker to “off”;
Close the air intakes in the engine room;
Locate the fire place and its origin;
Avoid breathing smoke;
Extinguish the fire, by following the standard fire extinguishing techniques;
For fires in the engines room and in the garage see “fire-fighting system in the engines room and garage” in the following pages of this manual.

DANGER

In case of yacht sinking risk, close the fuel and black waters cocks.

CAUTION

The reading of this section, containing all the information the Captain of the yacht should know, is strongly recommended.