Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 23/05/2008 08:50

Cornwall County Fire Brigade and the Boat Safety Scheme are joining forces during Boat Fire Safety Week (24th to 31st May) to urge the boating community to be more fire safe on board.

Although boat fires on our coastal and inland waters are less common than fires on land, when they do occur, they can have devastating consequences. Boats are often berthed in remote locations or making passage at sea, which may result in rescue services taking some time to arrive at an incident, allowing the fire to totally destroy a boat and everything onboard.

With over 450,000 motorised boats in the UK, and a growth in leisure boating activity, Cornwall County Fire Brigade is urging its boating population to check that their boats are equipped with the correct fire safety equipment. People who sleep aboard their boats are at the highest risk from fire and many fires could be prevented if boat users take simple precautions.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s Ports Liaison Officer Chris Ruberry explains: “In Cornwall we work closely with the Royal National Lifeboat Institutions (RNLI) Sea Safety Teams to promote boat safety.

In addition to a range of other safety advice and measures offered, we recommend a working and effective smoke alarm which can make a real difference to safety on board boats. Our wish is to see suitable smoke alarms installed in all boats with accommodation whether day boats or those used overnight”.

Cornwall County Councils Executive Member for Public Protection Ken Yeo (Lib Dem) said “Boating is usually fun and relaxing, and most boaters will never experience a fire on a boat, but even the most experienced boater should prepare for the worst. Any fire is a disaster but a fire at sea is considerably more hazardous and we all know prevention is better than a cure. Boat Safety Checks offer boaters the opportunity to gain invaluable help and advice about fire risks and fire safety equipment specific to their particular needs. I would urge our boating community to find out what they need to do and then do it before it is too late”.

Boats present a challenging environment for smoke alarms due to high humidity, temperature extremes and vibration levels. Optical sensor alarms with hush buttons and sealed for life batteries are recommended and alarms should meet British Standard (BS) 5446:2000 Part 1, or BS EN 14606:2005. Boat owners should check for a British Standard ‘Kitemark’ or a LPCB ‘Horseshoe’ mark, both marks of independent testing and approval. As with smoke alarms in the home, alarms should be tested regularly and should never be disconnected.

‘Anyone in doubt about the alarm they need should contact the Fire Safety Help Line 0800 3581999, for a free Boat Fire Safety Advice. We are here to make sure that you and your boat is as safe from fire as possible’

Further information is also available from the Boat Safety Scheme on 01923 201353 or visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/FirePortal_216.asp

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Notes to Editors:

For more information on fire safety please visit www.direct.gov.uk/firekills or speak to your local Fire and Rescue Service about Boat Fire Risk Checks please call: 0800 3581999.

The Boat Safety Scheme’s role is to minimise the risks of fires or explosions on boats cruising the UK's inland waterways network, by specifying a set of requirements that most boats must meet before they can be granted a navigation licence. The Scheme also recommends a number of 'safety best practice' measures which enhance the personal health and safety of those on board privately owned boats.

By working in partnership with the Fire kills campaign, the Boat Safety Scheme is able to raise awareness of fire safety issues affecting the boating community. By providing the necessary information and advice, we will be able to ensure that the boating community are as fire safe as possible.

For further information, please contact Rob McLean, Communications Manager at the Boat Safety Scheme, on 01923 201353 or email on robert.mclean@britishwaterways.co.uk.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1978