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Fire on Board

Fire — most commonly in the galley or engine space.

Remember: Cut the fuel. Smother it. Get clear.

  1. 1

    Cut the fuel/power

    Turn off gas at the bottle, fuel at the tank, and isolate electrics if safe.

  2. 2

    Use the extinguisher

    Aim at the base of the fire. For an engine fire, use the fixed system or port rather than opening the hatch.

  3. 3

    Smother galley fires

    A fire blanket smothers cooking fires. Never use water on a fat or electrical fire.

  4. 4

    Move people to safety

    Get crew on deck, upwind, with lifejackets on.

  5. 5

    Call MAYDAY if uncontrolled

    If you cannot control it quickly, send a MAYDAY and prepare to abandon ship.

This is training guidance, not a substitute for professional rescue services. In a real emergency at sea, call the coastguard (e.g. VHF Channel 16) without delay.

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