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Boat Safety

Good practice

All equipment should be serviced regularly and kept well maintained
Switch off appliances when not in use
Keep ventilators open and unobstructed
Use the bilge blower before you start a petrol-engine boat
Make sure solid fuel burners are well ventilated
Know where fire extinguishers are located
Know how to operate the extinguishers

If there is a fire:

Alert everyone on board. Evacuate to a place of safety
Use extinguishers to help you escape.
If the fire is in the engine space don't open the main access
If you can use an extinguisher safely, do so.

Refuel safely

Stop the engine
Make sure all naked flames are out
Don't leave anyone on the boat
Close door and raise awnings to prevent petrol vapour gathering in cabins and cockpits
Avoid spillage
Never decant petrol on board, in a lock or next to other craft
Re-fuel outboard tanks ashore and well away from the boat

Gas safety

If you smell gas:
Turn off the isolation valve, open windows, hatches and doors
Turn the engine off
Put all naked flames out including pilot lights
Don't switch any electrical goods or mobile phones on or off
Evacuate the boat if possible

Please visit the Boat Safety Scheme website for more information and advice.