Page 14 - Mid America Boating - September 2022 issue

Focus on Boating Safety from USCGA

By David G. Epstein, Branch Chief, U.S.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 14
Coast Guard Auxiliary Planning:
• Make sure you have fire extinguishers
TIPS AND TACTICS: Most boat fires occur due to wire chafing or onboard and ensure they are not expired and
on older boats that lack proper preventive
ready to use.
maintenance, especially with fuel systems. • You should understand where they are and
Preventing fires While recreational boat fire occurrences may how to use them.
be relatively low, those that do occur can
• Tell your passengers where they are too and
cause damage, injury and loss of life. So, let’s explain how to use them.
Preparation, planning make sure that the chances of this happening • Just like you would plan an escape route
to you on the water are minimized.
and preventive… in case of a home fire, make sure you know
what to do in case of a fire on your craft. And
Three Ps to preventing Preparation: inform your passengers as well.
• Have visual distress signals on board such
• Before taking your boat on the water, ensure
a boat fire and staying that the wiring is in tip top shape. as flares.
• Ensure your horn is working and have a
• Pay particular attention to wires leading to
safe on the water the engine and any chafing. backup device such as a whistle.
• Chafed wires should be replaced immediately. • If there is a fire in the engine area, cut fuel
• Keep bilges clean. to the engine.
• Make sure there’s proper ventilation and is • Don’t use water on an electrical fire, make
working correctly. sure you have the correct fire extinguisher
• If you’re not an expert, have an experienced and sweep at the base of the fire if it is small
mechanic change the wires. enough and safe to do so.
• Check the fuel systems are working properly. • Everyone on board should have life jackets
• Before inviting guests on the boat take it in case you have to abandon ship.
out for a test run. • Use your marine radio to call for help.
• Have a marine first aid kit on board fully
stocked for the amount of people on board. Preventive:
• Make sure you have a marine radio capable • Older boats are especially vulnerable to
of contacting authorities for help. wire chafing and maintenance related issues
• File a float plan so that others (the marina that could cause a fire. Make sure that your
staff or friends) know you’re out on the water. boat is well maintained before going on the
You should include a description of the boat, water.
where you’re going and how many people are • Have a US Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla
on board. And tell them if you’re not back on conduct a vessel safety check to ensure your
time to contact the U.S. Coast Guard or other boat is safe to go on the water, whether you
marine authority in case rescue is needed. have a new or older boat.