Tips on checking your boat's safety systems ready for spring cruising

Ventilation

Vents can get dusty or greasy over time, which leads to them becoming clogged up, working inefficiently and reducing airflow. It’s easy to overlook this, thinking that your boat passed its boat safety examination a year or two ago so everything is fine.

Ideally you should check your vents at least once before the boating season.

• Vacuum out louvre door vents or use a small brush to dislodge dust.
• Give mushroom vents and vents above the galley a particularly good clean as these may have built up a residue of grease from cooking - removing the gauze, if possible, and cleaning in hot soapy water.
• Check any vents near electrical equipment are not blocked, and also any vents in the cabin bilge, as this will help reduce condensation and corrosion.

Blocked mushroom vents

Fire Prevention

Fire is extremely frightening, and it's amazing how quickly a small fire can take hold and become a very serious and dangerous problem. However, there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk:

• Reducing dust around larger appliances, such as inverters, will help to avoid overheating.
• Check for loose screws and poor connections which can cause electrical resistance and have the potential to cause a fire.
• Keep gas lockers free of equipment such as mooring pins and mallets to avoid damage to the gas pipework. Ensure the gas locker drains are not blocked and check the locker for signs of corrosion and give a protective coat of paint to treat any rust.
• Fitting a Bubble detector on the gas supply is the best way to monitor the gas system. The Bubble tester is a gas leak detector and is intended for in-line installation, and should be connected into the gas system close to the outlet side of the regulator. It provides an instant visible check on gas soundness from the outlet side to each installed appliance, a leaking system being positively indicated by bubbles appearing in the glass-sighting chamber.
• Check your battery connections and engine wiring for issues that could cause a fire hazard.
• Check oil and diesel filters for leaks and check all of the pipework, especially the joints and valves, for leaks.
• If you keep petrol aboard for your generator, make sure to store it away in a locker.

Gas Appliances

• On a gas oven, light the burners and check the flame is blue and regular. If the flame is yellow, it could mean that the stove needs attention.
• Clean the hob burners and grill.
• Get a professional Gas certified person to service any gas appliances annually.

Stove Maintenance

• Check the door seals and the flue seals where the flue meets the chimney to make sure there are no gaps and nowater leaking in down the flue which could cause corrosion.
• Clean around the firebrick lining and check it's not excessively worn.
• Clean out the ash box.
• Check the stove for cracks or damage, and check the area surrounding the stove for any signs of heat damage.
• Looking at the chimney from outside the boat, check the stove collar on the roof fits well and that the chimney is soot free.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

If you have a fuel burning appliance, you need to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. Many people don’t realise the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, or CO as it’s known. It only takes one faulty appliance, blocked flue or a build-up of engine exhaust gas to potentially harm you and your family.

• Make sure the alarm conforms to safety standards as being suitable for boats.
• Test the battery and clean out any dust; this applies to smoke detectors too. If you own a large boat it's a good idea to have more that one of each detector on board and it's a good idea also is to link alarms so that if one goes off it will set the others off too.
• Make sure you have a backup by carrying spare alarms and batteries should one of them fail. There is some useful information on the Boat Safety Scheme website, which will help you understand what Carbon Monoxide is, the symptoms of CO poisoning, how to spot if you might have a problem. You should test the alarm routinely - when you return to the boat after a period away and weekly when you are staying aboard. Push the button, not your luck. 

Fire Safety

Whilst fire is unlikely on a boat that is well maintained to minimum safety standards, it is a grave concern to boaters who can be caught unawares or in a situation where escape is difficult. All boats must carry fire extinguishers, this is required by the BSS. 

Make a Fire Action Plan Now!

A reliable alarm alone won’t keep you safe. All crew and passengers must know what to do in an emergency - make a fire action plan, make sure everyone knows it, every time you sail. Know what to do should fire break out, have a fire plan and everyone aboard must know it too!

For more information on Boat Safety see the Boat Safety Scheme website.

We hope you found this information useful. If you have any other safety tips, please let us know.