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Fire Safety While On The Hard

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by CaptTom, Apr 3, 2007.

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  1. CaptTom, Apr 3, 2007
    #1
    CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    A fire at a Dania (FL) boatyard yesterday got me thinking of safety while on the hard.
    First, here's the story:

    DANIA BEACH -- A state fire marshal on Tuesday was investigating a boat fire that killed two dogs and required several departments to extinguish it, a fire official said.
    The 41-foot trawler, which had been undergoing some kind of maintenance, was on land at Playboy Marina, 760 NE Seventh Ave. The fire began at 8:30 Monday night, Bruce Caruso, a battalion chief for Dania Beach Fire-Rescue. The boat was destroyed.
    Two Yorkshire terriers, which belonged to a family, were trapped inside the boat and died, but no else was injured, Caruso said.
    Dania Beach Fire-Rescue and several other fire departments helped extinguish the fire. Firefighters stayed on the scene past midnight, ensuring the fire didn't start again, Caruso said.
    Lt. Joe Schwartz said firefighters had a difficult time getting into the boat to combat the blaze. The cause is still under investigation, he said.

    Sorry to see two dogs perished, but at least no human lives were lost.
    I know we all practice for MOB, fire, security drills while on the water. But how many crew have plans for their yachts for fire and/or safety while on land? The last sentence "...firefighters had a difficult time getting into the boat to combat the blaze" really caught my eye. If your yacht is at a yard, and catches fire, what can the yard, crew or fire department do to extinguish? With fuel, fiberglass, materials that may be toxic when burned, etc, do you stand there and watch it burn? Can you install automatic sprinklers/misters/gas that can be activated from outside the yacht (like calling up the system, key code, etc)?
    Appreciate any input, thoughts and comments.
    Thanks
    Capt Tom
  2. GrahamF, Apr 3, 2007
    #2
    GrahamF

    GrahamF Senior Member

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    Very good question Capt Tom
    I don’t think to many people think about that situation. 3 Years ago in Barcelona a stewardess lost her life when a big sailboat caught fire and she could not get out.
  3. techmati, Apr 6, 2007
    #3
    techmati

    techmati Senior Member

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    In the Yard is probably the most likely place for your yacht to catch fire or another yacht to catch fire and damage your yacht. Recently painted surfaces can catch fire and the fire can become extensive quickly. There are multiple ignition sources present during repairs and various paints, thinners etc to sustain the fire. Some electrical installation may be quickly and poorly installed as the shift ends...

    There have been several major fires on significant yachts at Greek shipyards and the majority have been overnight while the watchman had gone home and the yard is closed. The results have been at minimal complete destruction to the accommodation, if not total loss.

    This is why we have fire watches during the repair period on the commercial vessels but I still do not understand why the watchmen on the yachts most often go home as the yard closes for the day. Still how much fire fighting could one man do during the wait for the fire brigade.
  4. CaptTom, Apr 8, 2007
    #4
    CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Good points.
    Graham, I agree that many may not think about that situation. Perhaps they let their guard down or become complacent thinking nothing is going to happen, I'm on land.
    And that's to Techmati's point: that while on land, you may be more likely to have a fire due to the work, flammable items, extra electric/HVAC units/fans, etc, and a host of tools, torches, hot lights and more.

    You may not be able to fight a fire single-handidly, but you may need more egres options since the way off the yacht could be blocked. Maybe a few dock lines at the ready to throw over so you can rapel down, more fire extringuishers placed around work or sleep areas, crew watch shifts while the yard is closed, etc.

    Any other thoughts?