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Day Skipper - Part 2 - Fire
Always turn off the gas at source when it is not being used. Don't allow
smoking below decks on any type of boat or anywhere onboard petrol- powered
craft.
Switch off all electrical power when refuelling petrol-powered craft.
Always ventilate engine spaces before starting petrol engines. Make sure
your crew know where the fire extinguishers are stowed and how to use
them.
Fire blanket
This is invaluable for putting out galley fires and burning clothes. Make
sure that the blanket is easily accessible as the galley area is approached.
Obviously, don't hide it behind a cupboard door or beyond the most likely
area for a fire.
Fire extinguishers
There should be at least 3kg of dry powder in total, split either as 3
* 1kg or 2 * 1.5kg dry powder, together with at least one automatic inert-gas
extinguisher in the engineroom. If the vessel is more than 9m long, an
additional 2.5kg dry power is advised. Make sure the extinguishers are
easy to get to on the approach to a compartment. Don't fix them behind
doors or across bunks where they may be difficult to reach in an emergency.
Bilge pumps
Every compartment should be fitted with a bilge pump. These can be fixed
or mobile, and also manual or automatic. 
If you have an automatic system it should have a warning light to show
whether or not the pump is working. It might be worth considering fitting
an inexpensive audible alarm it is easy to miss a warning light,
and a buzzer will be much more likely to attract your attention to a possible
problem.
Don't forget that in smaller craft a bucket and lanyard is a very effective
way of removing unwanted water in an emergency.
Personal survival
It is vital to have lifejackets for everyone on board, plus a few extra
for unexpected guests, and make sure they are regularly serviced. Safety
harnesses are sensible, especially if anyone is likely to go down on a
bathing platform in an emergency.
If you are contemplating offshore journeys, it is a good idea to have
a liferaft. These can be hired for short periods if, for example, you
only venture offshore for your annual holiday.
The need for waterproof clothing is best judged by the design and shelter
provided by the boat. However, it is wise to have at least two sets.
Be seen, be heard
A foghorn, navigation lights, radar reflector and a powerful torch are
all recommended.
Man overboard
Have at least one lifebelt with drogue and automatic light. A danbuoy
is not normally carried in motor boats, but it is certainly easier to
see than a lifebelt or casualty, and is easily seen by the casualty if
it is within swimming range. If you fall overboard don't thrash about
keep calm and adopt a fetal position to conserve body heat.
First aid
Although it makes sense to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, it is
useless unless you and your crew have completed an elementary course.
The RYA runs approved first-aid courses all over the country, which are
both enlightening and fun.
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