The incident rates and fatalities caused by major fires on watercraft are low. Yet, most boat fires are preventable if the crew are properly trained and firefighting equipment is available.
This guide outlines the underlying causes of small blazes and raging infernos on diving boats, especially liveaboard vessels, and how to safely evacuate a burning boat.
Fire Prevention & Vessel Safety Regulations
In the United Kingdom, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency sets out the requirements for fire protection, fire detection, and fire extinction on board ships.
Yet, there is still room for improvement in fire safety awareness within the scuba diving community worldwide.
Here's the thing:
Take a look at our scuba diving news section and you'll see reports of several recent boat fires happening in popular diving locations.
Ongoing investigations by the relevant authorities will try to determine the root causes of these particular blazes. But, it's fair to say that the majority of large-scale boat infernos tend to happen at night.
So, what are some of the common causes of explosions and fires on large scuba diving boats? In fact, they include things like:
Gas leaks (e.g. from cooking equipment)
Engine and electrical faults (responsible for 29% of all outboard boat fires)
Ignition of volatile fluids (e.g. gasoline)
As a general rule, the vessel owner needs to comply with any relevant local laws and regulations that govern boat fire safety.
They also have the responsibility of conducting a fire risk assessment. Doing so targets the potential causes (and locations) for the ignition and spread of an onboard fire. It also helps them develop and implement an emergency action plan, including organising regular fire drills.
Onboard passengers should...
Listen carefully to the safety briefing. Part of proper boat etiquette is following all instructions given about the life-jacket regulations and what to do if a fire breaks out.
Make themselves aware of the official escape routes and emergency exits. It's also good to check they are accessible and usable. In other words, get familiar with the operation of the doors and hatches. This will be especially important for divers who may be sleeping on Thailand liveaboards for several days and nights at the best places to scuba dive in Southeast Asia.
Confirm that all portable extinguishers are accessible, regularly maintained, and inspected according to the manufacturer's recommendations. There may also be several fire and smoke detectors and alarms installed to reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, big vessels may have a central overhead fire deluge system as well, and some divers keep a personal carbon monoxide monitor inside the cabin as an additional safety feature.
Find out if the staff maintains a watch system (mostly on big ships). If so, one of the crew members should be awake and on duty at all times. Their responsibility would be responding to emergencies and ensuring boat safety. You should report the lack of a watch to the crew member in charge (or the captain of the vessel).
Dive Boat Fire Evacuation Procedures
Make no mistake about it, boat fires spread very quickly. On top of that, toxic smoke reduces the normal visibility to zero. The heat can cause severe burns and block the designated exit points.
In fact, smoke inhalation causes more victims and fatalities than burn injuries. Hence, the reaction of everyone on board should be instantaneous if anyone detects a fire - no matter how small it may be.
Evacuating a fire at sea...
Try to stay calm and activate the alarm at the sight of any flames or smoke. Try to wake anyone who may be asleep and be prepared to help others if you can do so safely.
In general, searching for your personal belongings (bags, suitcase) is going to take too long, so don't do it! Abandoning a few personal items could mean the difference between life and death!
Follow the instructions given to you by the crew members. In most cases, they will be trained and equipped to contain a fire and help rescue passengers.
Do not open any door or window if you see flames inside a room. The fresh air will add oxygen and rekindle its intensity. Having evacuated the vessel safely... do not go back onboard while it's still burning!
Pro Tip: Check out the information in our guide to dive boats to learn how boating protocols and procedures vary in different parts of the world.
Special Considerations
Despite being a contributing factor of scuba diving deaths worldwide, boat fires are rare. But, the consequences for divers who travel warrant extra safety recommendations, including:
Keep a small waterproof dive bag close at hand, especially if you sleep onboard. For example, a five (5) litre dry bag is big enough to store a passport, some cash, keys, and any essential medications.
Even though you can't go scuba diving with glasses, many divers need to wear them on land. So, always keep them within easy reach to avoid losing valuable time searching for them during an evacuation.
It can be dangerous to charge the batteries of large power consumers (e.g. cell phones, laptops, underwater cameras and videos) in a boat cabin - especially if you're absent and not monitoring the charge (e.g. diving, sleeping). Plus, overloading an electrical outlet can lead to overheated adapters, extension cords, or power strips.
There are several reasons why smoking and diving are incompatible. Even so, smoking on board a dive boat can be particularly hazardous due to the presence of cleaning solvents, compressed oxygen, and flammable materials (fuel).
Pro Tip: Following the recommended fire safety procedures is also important onshore, such as when individuals or groups travel to dive and need to stay in a hotel.