2.3.9 Portable fire extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are provided on board the yacht; these are designed to be transported and used by hand and comply with applicable regulations.
The fire extinguishers have been placed in visible and easily accessible positions, and the position is indicated by special plates applied by RIVA.

The use of a fire extinguisher requires a certain familiarity with it, but some theoretical-practical rules can facilitate its handling:

• Make sure that the safety pin (1) against accidental discharge, has been removed;
• Always direct the extinguisher towards the bottom of the flame;
• Do not stand but try to bow as far as possible;
• Do not hit the fire from above;
• Shift the fan-shaped jet slowly from one side to the other of the flame;
• Act immediately before the temperature becomes too high;
• Always stay windward;
• If the material burnt is wood, paper or tissue, after the fire has been extinguished, pour on water to prevent any further spread of flames;
• Always act dressed, avoiding loose clothing or similar;
• Head the yacht so that the fire is leeward;
• Persons not engaged with the fire fighting must gather windward from the fire area and if necessary, disembark on a rescue device (tender, rubber dinghy, self-inflatable life raft), that must be linked to the yacht with a line, in order also to embark the persons engaged with the fire fighting;
• If the fire is big the operators must abundantly wet their clothing;
• The engines must be shut-OFF immediately and the fuel must be cut-OFF;
• Isolated objects in flames must immediately be thrown overboard;
• All openings that can allow air to penetrate through the flames must be closed;
• After using the extinguisher to fight fire in closed spaces, ventilate the space carefully, prior to entry, and remove powder deposits.

DANGER

The person in charge of the yacht must make sure that all passengers know the locations and how to operate the fire extinguishers on board correctly.

CAUTION

We advise regularly checking the charge status (visual check of pressure gauge and weight) and also its overhauling, according to the rules in force in the country whose flag the yacht flies.

DANGER

Pay particular attention during the cleaning and cooling operation because the components are still hot and can generate burns or scalds.

The arrangement of portable fire extinguishers is shown in the “Fire extinguisher location” diagram above.

CAUTION

All fire extinguishers should be checked at least every 12 months by qualified staff and in any case, after each navigation.
Even after a partial use, the extinguishers should be recharged by authorized personnel.

The extinguisher should be kept in a good condition and the charge indicator, located on the pressure gauge, must always be positioned in the green field.
Keep the extinguishers in a vertical position.

After the use of a dry-chemical fire extinguisher, carefully clean the parts that came in contact with the powder because it is highly corrosive.

WARNING

For further information relevant to the use of the different systems and equipment, see the various manufacturers manuals, delivered separately.

Portable fire-extinguishers maintenance