The videos you are putting out are gold. Please keep making them. You are an excellent communicator. I recently ordered a boat and greatly appreciate you sharing your wisdom. Thank you
Ok, this video has scared me into wanting to do further homework and outfit my 19’ boat with multiple ABC extinguishers. I didn’t know to ventilate/purge fumes from my internal tank and I’m not sure how that works. Thank goodness we didn’t experience an explosion this summer! Is that a possible topic for a future video? Loved the info about the extreme danger of the smoke. I could see myself in the panic of the situation being more focused on the flames than the smoke. Having a wife and two kids who are just as new to boating as I am, I’m soaking up all this info and will share with my family. Our boat can be replaced, out family is priceless. Thank you, sir!
Shawn, another great video and comments from followers that every boater must understand. The only point I would add is that IF you decide fighting the fire is your best or only option keep in mind that the size of the fire extinguishers required by the CG are minimum requirements and may only provide 10 seconds of operating time, if fully charged. In the frantic first moments of fighting a fire some of those seconds will likely be wasted. If you need more fire extinguishers, evaluate, is plan A the best option. Fires on board are no joke. Always be ready to execute plan B while you are executing plan A. The life and safety of you and your passengers will depend on your first decisions.
Excellent comment Mike, I like the way you think! Every emergency is different and you must keep an eye on the big picture. Having these conversations and thinking things through before the emergency happens is vitally important. As always, thank you so much for your comments!
These casts should be recommend as supplemental to all boater trainer courses , way more informative and sensical than just a pamphlet and multiple choice tests. T/u capn'
Another good one! Fire preparation is one of those things you do once and then forget about. It's good practice and it pays to review things often. This is a good reminder of that, thanks.
The first thing to do in case of a fire is to secure ventilation! Unless it’s a very small fire don’t waste time with fire extinguishers getting the fire hoses out is and charging the fire mains should be your first priority. All boats should have at least one SCBA and fire suit regardless of if the CG requires you to carry them one not. Metal fires should not be dismissed. Many turbochargers are made of magnesium including the ones on EMDs. While the chances of one catching fire are slim it should be considered. It needs to be mentioned that whatever you do NEVER take a fire hose to a magnesium fire! I consider a magnesium fire to be an abandoned ship event on my boat as we have no way to fight such a fire and several thousand pounds of burning magnesium is one of those situations where all is lost. Fire prevention and fire drills are the most important things to practice. While recreational boats aren’t required to log drills and crews aren’t required to take firefighting training like us merchant mariners are it isn’t a bad idea to do monthly fire drills. Just exercising your fire fighting equipment one a month is important to keep it working. Fire pumps can seize up if they sit unused, fire hoses and nozzles deteriorate, valves seize up, pipes rust out, ect. Doing regular drills keep all this equipment in working order and allows you to find problems like leaking fire hoses, or inoperable nozzles. This is just my two cents, I’m certainly not an expert.
Just watched this, and whilst I don't disagree with anything you say, I have to say that I think you miss out some important steps that should be a priority on finding a fire, before you try to actually put the fire out. I basis this on the fire training I used to deliver to underground train drivers. So, first off you should be planning how to deal with a fire or similar event in terms of both training and equipment before you make any journey with your boat. That includes getting a fire extinguisher and making sure everyone on the boat knows where it is an how to use it, but it also includes having equipment like a life jackets, grab-bag, life-raft, vhf radio (preferably a portable one with the grab-bag, as well a DSR one on your boat). beacons, flares and even survival suits as appropriate. All crew should be trained in how to use them and on their locations. Secondly, on finding a fire your first step should not be to try and fight the fire, but rather to raise the alarm and see that everyone is evacuated, so that there is no chance of them being trapped inside the boat by the fire which may spread extremely rapidly in a GRP boat. If you have a crew or passengers, one of them can then take charge of the evacuation. If possible a Mayday using the boat's VHF should be sent out, this is a life threatening situation and you can always cancel it if you do get the fire out. The crew and passengers should should get hold of the grab bag, put on their life jackets and move to the life-raft,. Unless the fire is small and you are absolutely confident of putting it out, they should consider actually launching and embarking in the life-raft and moving far enough away from the boat to avoid any danger of the fire spreading to the life raft - otherwise they should prepare to do so at the first signs of the fire spreading. If you are alone, make sure the grab-bag is by the exit ready to go, put on your life jacket, if you have a DSR radio, hit the distress button before you turn to thinking about putting out the fire. Only with these underway should you even consider tackling the fire. Though we trained crews in using fire extinguishers, we actively discouraged them from using them except when the alarm had already been raised, the fire brigade had been called, and they were extremely confident they could do so without being trapped or burned. Of course, the situation on a boat can be rather different, particularity if you are in blue water and can not be sure of rescue if you do evacuate into a life raft. That does tip the balance in favour of fighting the fire, but you should still ensure you tackle the fire from a place of safety, ensuring especially that you have a clear exit at all times. What you say about the the nature of the fires and of fighting them is essentially correct. The only three points I would add about actually fighting the fire are: 1) That fire blankets are better than fire extinguishers when it comes to most galley fires involving burning oil You should have one by your galley so that if there is chip pan fire or similar you can rapidly cover the pan and smother it before it has a chance to spread (this is about the one time I would deal with the fire before raising the alarm. Remember not to try to put out burning hot oil with water as that will make the oil explode out, covering you with burning oil and potentially spreading the fire rapidly. 2) That if you use a CO2 extinguisher, remember not to hold it by the nozzle as it can get extremely cold if it is metal and your hand may freeze onto it. 3) Many boats now have Lithium Ion, Nicad or similar batteries. These pose very particular fire risks. Phones and similar items should only be left charging in positions where they will not set anything else alight, ideally on a metal or ceramic surface. Large cells used to power equipment on the boat should be properly maintained along with everything connected to them. If you have a battery bank of such batteries you should consider having specialist fire extinguishers stored by them such as Lithex AVD filled extinguishers. They can burn extremely hot and be especially hard to put out. Also, do not overlook having smoke or other fire detectors on your boad and ensuring they are regularly tested and serviced. Finally, don't forget about the importance of a head count, when people come onto the boat so you know how many crew and passengers you have, when you are evacuating them so you know everyone has been alerted, on the life-raft so you know every one has got off and again either when the fire is over or after rescue so you know if anyone is still missing.. PS, two final thoughts: 1) Remember that a lot of modern clothing is based on synthetic cloths that pose a very particular danger in fires - that of melting in the heat, and potentially catching fire as the hot, molten fabric adheres to your skin giving you severe burns. This was a particular cause of injury on British boats that burned during the Falklands war and caused some really bad burns. Do bear this in mind if you decide to fight the fire and make sure you do not get so close to the fire your clothes or lifejacket start to melt. 2) Remember smoke inhalation causes more deaths from fire than the flames, and can cause injuries to the lungs that will kill you even after you have escaped the smoke. This is a particularly acute problem in boats due to a combination of the small, enclosed spaces and many synthetic materials. Remember, you life is worth more than the boat and do not go into a smoke filled space to fight the fire if you value your life.
Michael, absolutely sage advice and thank you so much for sharing! It was my hope from the beginning that other boaters would share their knowledge and experience to help others boaters and you have certainly done that. Excellent points and thank you again!
The videos you are putting out are gold. Please keep making them. You are an excellent communicator. I recently ordered a boat and greatly appreciate you sharing your wisdom. Thank you
Thank you so much for your comment!!!
Great content. IMHO a fire is the worst thing that can happen to you on a boat. Prep yourself and your crew for it, they're depending on you!
Man he’s smart… Lov this channel keep them training videos coming!!
Ok, this video has scared me into wanting to do further homework and outfit my 19’ boat with multiple ABC extinguishers. I didn’t know to ventilate/purge fumes from my internal tank and I’m not sure how that works. Thank goodness we didn’t experience an explosion this summer! Is that a possible topic for a future video? Loved the info about the extreme danger of the smoke. I could see myself in the panic of the situation being more focused on the flames than the smoke. Having a wife and two kids who are just as new to boating as I am, I’m soaking up all this info and will share with my family. Our boat can be replaced, out family is priceless. Thank you, sir!
Shawn, another great video and comments from followers that every boater must understand. The only point I would add is that IF you decide fighting the fire is your best or only option keep in mind that the size of the fire extinguishers required by the CG are minimum requirements and may only provide 10 seconds of operating time, if fully charged. In the frantic first moments of fighting a fire some of those seconds will likely be wasted. If you need more fire extinguishers, evaluate, is plan A the best option. Fires on board are no joke. Always be ready to execute plan B while you are executing plan A. The life and safety of you and your passengers will depend on your first decisions.
Excellent comment Mike, I like the way you think! Every emergency is different and you must keep an eye on the big picture. Having these conversations and thinking things through before the emergency happens is vitally important. As always, thank you so much for your comments!
These casts should be recommend as supplemental to all boater trainer courses , way more informative and sensical than just a pamphlet and multiple choice tests. T/u capn'
Thank you and thank you so much for commenting!!!
Another good one! Fire preparation is one of those things you do once and then forget about. It's good practice and it pays to review things often. This is a good reminder of that, thanks.
Gary, thank you so much for your comments!
The first thing to do in case of a fire is to secure ventilation! Unless it’s a very small fire don’t waste time with fire extinguishers getting the fire hoses out is and charging the fire mains should be your first priority. All boats should have at least one SCBA and fire suit regardless of if the CG requires you to carry them one not. Metal fires should not be dismissed. Many turbochargers are made of magnesium including the ones on EMDs. While the chances of one catching fire are slim it should be considered. It needs to be mentioned that whatever you do NEVER take a fire hose to a magnesium fire! I consider a magnesium fire to be an abandoned ship event on my boat as we have no way to fight such a fire and several thousand pounds of burning magnesium is one of those situations where all is lost. Fire prevention and fire drills are the most important things to practice. While recreational boats aren’t required to log drills and crews aren’t required to take firefighting training like us merchant mariners are it isn’t a bad idea to do monthly fire drills. Just exercising your fire fighting equipment one a month is important to keep it working. Fire pumps can seize up if they sit unused, fire hoses and nozzles deteriorate, valves seize up, pipes rust out, ect. Doing regular drills keep all this equipment in working order and allows you to find problems like leaking fire hoses, or inoperable nozzles. This is just my two cents, I’m certainly not an expert.
I jumped from a perfectly good CG boat onto a burning Shrimp boat!
LMAO, I've done that a few times myself Brother - thank you for your service and thank you for commenting!!!
Just watched this, and whilst I don't disagree with anything you say, I have to say that I think you miss out some important steps that should be a priority on finding a fire, before you try to actually put the fire out. I basis this on the fire training I used to deliver to underground train drivers.
So, first off you should be planning how to deal with a fire or similar event in terms of both training and equipment before you make any journey with your boat. That includes getting a fire extinguisher and making sure everyone on the boat knows where it is an how to use it, but it also includes having equipment like a life jackets, grab-bag, life-raft, vhf radio (preferably a portable one with the grab-bag, as well a DSR one on your boat). beacons, flares and even survival suits as appropriate. All crew should be trained in how to use them and on their locations.
Secondly, on finding a fire your first step should not be to try and fight the fire, but rather to raise the alarm and see that everyone is evacuated, so that there is no chance of them being trapped inside the boat by the fire which may spread extremely rapidly in a GRP boat.
If you have a crew or passengers, one of them can then take charge of the evacuation. If possible a Mayday using the boat's VHF should be sent out, this is a life threatening situation and you can always cancel it if you do get the fire out. The crew and passengers should should get hold of the grab bag, put on their life jackets and move to the life-raft,. Unless the fire is small and you are absolutely confident of putting it out, they should consider actually launching and embarking in the life-raft and moving far enough away from the boat to avoid any danger of the fire spreading to the life raft - otherwise they should prepare to do so at the first signs of the fire spreading.
If you are alone, make sure the grab-bag is by the exit ready to go, put on your life jacket, if you have a DSR radio, hit the distress button before you turn to thinking about putting out the fire.
Only with these underway should you even consider tackling the fire. Though we trained crews in using fire extinguishers, we actively discouraged them from using them except when the alarm had already been raised, the fire brigade had been called, and they were extremely confident they could do so without being trapped or burned. Of course, the situation on a boat can be rather different, particularity if you are in blue water and can not be sure of rescue if you do evacuate into a life raft. That does tip the balance in favour of fighting the fire, but you should still ensure you tackle the fire from a place of safety, ensuring especially that you have a clear exit at all times.
What you say about the the nature of the fires and of fighting them is essentially correct.
The only three points I would add about actually fighting the fire are:
1) That fire blankets are better than fire extinguishers when it comes to most galley fires involving burning oil You should have one by your galley so that if there is chip pan fire or similar you can rapidly cover the pan and smother it before it has a chance to spread (this is about the one time I would deal with the fire before raising the alarm. Remember not to try to put out burning hot oil with water as that will make the oil explode out, covering you with burning oil and potentially spreading the fire rapidly.
2) That if you use a CO2 extinguisher, remember not to hold it by the nozzle as it can get extremely cold if it is metal and your hand may freeze onto it.
3) Many boats now have Lithium Ion, Nicad or similar batteries. These pose very particular fire risks. Phones and similar items should only be left charging in positions where they will not set anything else alight, ideally on a metal or ceramic surface. Large cells used to power equipment on the boat should be properly maintained along with everything connected to them. If you have a battery bank of such batteries you should consider having specialist fire extinguishers stored by them such as Lithex AVD filled extinguishers. They can burn extremely hot and be especially hard to put out.
Also, do not overlook having smoke or other fire detectors on your boad and ensuring they are regularly tested and serviced.
Finally, don't forget about the importance of a head count, when people come onto the boat so you know how many crew and passengers you have, when you are evacuating them so you know everyone has been alerted, on the life-raft so you know every one has got off and again either when the fire is over or after rescue so you know if anyone is still missing..
PS, two final thoughts:
1) Remember that a lot of modern clothing is based on synthetic cloths that pose a very particular danger in fires - that of melting in the heat, and potentially catching fire as the hot, molten fabric adheres to your skin giving you severe burns. This was a particular cause of injury on British boats that burned during the Falklands war and caused some really bad burns. Do bear this in mind if you decide to fight the fire and make sure you do not get so close to the fire your clothes or lifejacket start to melt.
2) Remember smoke inhalation causes more deaths from fire than the flames, and can cause injuries to the lungs that will kill you even after you have escaped the smoke. This is a particularly acute problem in boats due to a combination of the small, enclosed spaces and many synthetic materials. Remember, you life is worth more than the boat and do not go into a smoke filled space to fight the fire if you value your life.
Michael, absolutely sage advice and thank you so much for sharing! It was my hope from the beginning that other boaters would share their knowledge and experience to help others boaters and you have certainly done that. Excellent points and thank you again!