Safety
The Fuel System
- The tank should be located in a sealed-off section of the boat, so that in case of a leak the petrol does not spread throughout the whole boat.
- The tank must be fitted so securely that it does not work loose even in heavy seas.
- The hull of the boat must not form part of the tank.
- A shut-off valve must be fitted on the fuel line directly at the tank, so that in case of a broken line the boat does not flood with fuel.
- Gases escaping from the tank vent must not enter the boat. They should also have a flame arrester to protect against ignition.
- Diesel tanks must never be run completely empty, as air would otherwise be drawn in and the engine would have to be bled in a laborious procedure.
- The fuel system must be earthed.
Fuelling
After fuelling, petrol vapours can build up in the boat that, when the ignition is switched on, can cause severe explosions.
To avoid this the following must be observed when fuelling:
- Switch off the engine
- Do not smoke
- Do not operate any electrical switches
- Do not leave the boat
- Make contact between the metal parts of the fuel nozzle and the filler neck
After fuelling, the following should be observed:
- Open hatches and windows
- Clean up any spilled fuel
- Run the engine room blower for a short time (also recommended before starting the engine)
Fire Protection
Despite all safety measures, a fire on board can never be completely ruled out. For this reason, properly tested fire extinguishers must always be carried on board. For boats with an inboard engine of more than 4.4 kW, an outboard of more than 7.4 kW, or with cooking and heating facilities, at least one 2 kg fire extinguisher is required. A further extinguisher must be carried for each additional 100 l of fuel.
| Powder Extinguisher | Foam Extinguisher | CO2 Extinguisher | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Works on the anti-catalytic principle | The closed surface prevents re-ignition and cools the seat of the fire. | Displaces the oxygen needed for a fire and works residue-free. |
| Disadvantages | Extinguished material is not cooled and may continue to off-gas | Leaves residue | Risk of CO2 poisoning in small spaces |
| Class A: solid materials (wood, paper, textiles, rubber) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Class B: liquid and liquefying materials (petrol, oils, paints, waxes, alcohol, plastics) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Class C: gaseous materials (methane, propane, hydrogen, town gas) | ✔ | ||
| Class D: metals (aluminium, magnesium, lithium, sodium, potassium) | ~ |
Gas Systems
Gas systems on board (used for cooking) require particular care. The cylinder must be stored in a sealed locker that drains overboard, since gas is heavier than air and otherwise collects in the bilge. A gas alarm and an external main shut-off valve are recommended.