2.1.3 Fire prevention rules

DANGER

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

Before steering a yacht, the Captain must be perfectly aware of the following fire prevention measures.

This yacht must always be equipped with portable fire extinguishers positioned as illustrated in the chapter “Arrangement of fire-fighting equipment”.

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

• Having fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment overhauled as scheduled on their labels, and having them replaced, as required by the rules in force, with similar or equivalent or higher capacity ones;
• Inform crew members and guests on the yacht about the location and methods of use of fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing systems and emergency exits;
• Ensuring that fire extinguishers are also available in the passengers’ cabins.

CAUTION

The engine room is equipped with a gas fire-fighting system.

WARNING

NEVER:

• Obstruct passageways and the escape routes;
• Hinder access to safety devices, such as fuel valves, electrical switches, etc..;
• Obstruct access to fire extinguishers stowed inside the lockers;
• Leave the yacht unattended, when burners or heat generating equipment are on;
• Use naked flames;
• Modify electric or fuel supply systems, without consulting RIVA beforehand;
• Smoke near or when handling flammable materials;
• Stow highly flammable materials (such as fuel, thinners, etc..) In proximity to 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 accidentally come into contact with rotating engine parts, or obstruct access to the engine room.

Keep the bilge clean and check it frequently for any oil or fuel leaks.

CAUTION

In case fire breaks out in proximity to 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 out any fire extinguishing powder out very carefully.

In addition to these requirements, RIVA recommends the following:

• Avoid smoking lower deck, especially in the engine room.
• Avoid dropping liquids in the bilge and keep it clean, especially the engine room bilge. In case of fuel leaks from the engines or from the generator, 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 to heat sources, like engines, burners, halogen lights, etc..;
• Should the yacht leak, 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 below:

• Keep calm and do not spread panic among the passengers;
• Stop the yacht, and close the sea cocks and the drains;
• Set the battery breaker to “OFF”;
• Close the air intakes in the engine room;
• Locate the fire and its origin;
• Avoid breathing smoke;
• Extinguish the fire, by following standard fire extinguishing techniques.

DANGER

In the event of the yacht sinking, if possible, close the fuel and sewage valves.

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.

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.

WARNING

EXPLOSION HAZARD
Any lithium battery powered device on board must be recharged only in open air areas, connected to a suitable charging system. Also please refer to the device dedicated Use and Maintenance Manual.

The following table contains the classification of the fire types:

Comparison between fire classes

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 regarding the measures to be adopted in the event of a fire and the applicable fire-extinguishing methods.

DANGER

Regularly check the fire extinguisher charge inside the main electrical panel.