If you have ever been part of a first responders team either through work, church, or any other organization you know the acronym P.A.S.S. Fire safety week begins October 6th and a fire on a boat scares me more than any other place with perhaps the exception of a gas station. Sure you are surrounded by water on a boat but you are also sitting on a fiberglass hull full of combustible foam that is also and full of flammable diesel or explosive gasoline. This week?s article comes to us compliments of Sea Tow offering a special newsletter for National Fire Prevention Week. Check it out for some good tips on fire prevention as it relates to boating.
Sea Tow 30th Anniversary Celebration
On September 3, 1983, Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer founded Sea Tow after the U.S. Coast Guard ceased responding to non-emergency calls from boaters, launching not only a company but also an entire new industry that today employs hundreds of Sea Tow Captains and staff members. Click here to see a video chronicling major milestones in Sea Tow’s 30-year history.
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Boat Fire Safety Tips for National Fire Prevention Week 2013
For this year’s National Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 6-12, the Sea Tow Foundation for Boating Safety offers boaters some important fire prevention tips.
Inspect your boat’s fire safety equipment:
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Make sure you have the proper size and type of marine fire extinguisher(s) for your vessel. Depending on the size of your boat, you may need more than one extinguisher.
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Check to be sure the extinguisher(s) are not out of date.
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Mount the extinguisher(s) in an easily accessible location so that you can get to it or them quickly in an emergency.
Remember, most boat fires are caused by fueling or electrical issues:
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Before fueling, have all passengers leave the boat and shut off all flames. Close all windows, doors and openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat.
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While fueling, keep the nozzle in contact with the tank to prevent sparks. Don’t overfill the tank. Wipe u