2.7.21 General information to prevent fire

Regular and correct maintenance of the systems and prudent behaviour of all passengers are indispensable measures for preventing any risk of fire.
Over 90% of the probabilities of fighting a fire successfully, depends on the ability to prevent and avoid any condition that may help a fire to spread.

The small remaining percentage depends on the crew’s reaction ability, and most of all, their rapidity to enter into action.
Nearly all fires, if detected early, can be extinguished easily.
For these reasons, it is necessary to carry out preventive surveys on a regular basis and identify all possible fire sources, and in particular:

Check the proper operation of all main equipment/systems;
Visit all compartments and in particular the engine room frequently;
If a system does not work correctly, identify the failure and take the appropriate corrective actions;
Operate all systems and equipment as specified.

If a fire is detected, identify and remove the cause, if possible, (e.g. in case of a short-circuit, cut-off the electrical system), extinguish the fire promptly and be vigilant to make sure that the fire does not break out again.

WARNING

Never use water jets to extinguish fires on electric or electronic equipment.

CAUTION

The ability to operate the fire extinguishers properly can ensure the success of the operation.
It is vital that the fire fighting operations are performed by people competent in this type of emergencies.
It is in any case necessary to be aware of the minimum fire-prevention and fire-fighting rules; the first defence is to prevent fires before they start spreading.

The following table contains the classification of the fire types:

Comparison between fire classes

American	Europe/Australia/Asia	Fuel/Heat source
Class A	Class A	Ordinary fuels
Class B	Class B	Flammable liquids
Class B	Class C	Flammable gases
Class C	Class E	Electric appliances
Class D	Class D	Combustible metals
Class K	Class F	Cooking oil or fat

It is very important to use the correct extinguishing agent according to each fire class; normally, water can be used only for class A fires, together with chemical extinguishing agents (portable or fixed devices).
Each yacht owner/operator/master must be well informed and proficient in regards to the measures to be adopted in the event of a fire and fire-extinguishing techniques.