Surveying boats in 15 degree weather is not my idea of fun but as my old friend Norm LeBlanc says' "you gotta do what you gotta do". I was working with him today as we had a couple of boats to look over, one of which was a lovely old wooden motor sailer. Everything was pretty much in order with no major problems but if there is one thing that is consistently overlooked by owners and that is fire extinguishers. It's not that they don't have them it's just that time and time again I find fire appliances that are out of date, have not been checked in a very long time and in need of replacement or service. The photo shows Norm checking the date on an automatic halon system in the engine space.
At least once per year check that you have the correct amount of fire fighting equipment, that it is in good order and you can access it in an emergency. A fire blanket in the bottom of a locker is next to useless, you need to be able to get to fire blankets, extinguishers and other emergency equipment in a hurry.
If you have a checklist that you use when laying up or commissioning your boat it is a good idea to add fire fighting equipment as one of the items that you maintain and service.
For additional reading on US Coast Guard requirements click here.
"you gotta do what you gotta do" and one of the things you gotta do is be safe!
Posted by: | September 20, 2011 at 11:40 AM