- Marine Firefighting - USCG
It is a story that is repeated too frequently. A boater jumps aboard their craft, immediately cranks the starter and then boom, the vessel explodes in a ball of fire. Transport Canada has documented the explosion of a gasoline powered boat in Halifax harbor during the summer of 2004 in an informational video. Investigators were able to determine that old automotive ignition parts had been used on the boat. Their video clip titled, “Boom! Up She Went” is available from Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety.
There are many safety systems built into place on a government approved vessel. Improper substitution of the components within these systems can cause trouble. Boat engine parts are designed to survive and function in the harsh marine environment. While similar in appearance to their automotive cousins, marine parts must be designed and approved for use on boats. There are important differences between them.
A fire or explosion requires three components, called the fire triangle by firefighters. They are fuel, oxygen and a heat or ignition source. Explosions on gasoline powered boats can occur when fuel is spilled or leaked in the engine compartment. The gasoline vaporizes into the available air space and is primed for an explosion. This is the reason power boats use ventilation systems with blowers to pump fresh air into the engine compartment. The spark from a non-ignition protected electrical part can become the third component of the fire triangle.
Automotive electrical components do not need to be ignition protected. Transport Canada and the United States Coast Guard require small craft be built using ignition protected components. These items include blower motors, starters, distributors, alternators and ignition wires. There should be approval labels affixed to your boat that certifies it meets alls required construction standards.
Carburetors on boats can vary from cars as well. The use of fuel injection is reducing the use of carburetors, but there are many still in use. Some automotive carburetors and fuel pumps are designed to leak a small amount of gasoline. In a car, this isn't an issue. There is plenty of air circulation and excess fuel in many cases is directed back into the throat of the carburetor. The Coast Guard requires carburetors be equipped with a backfire flame control screen to keep flames from entering the engine compartment. These flame prevention components aren't found on a car.
When performing mechanical maintenance on your boat, ensure replacement parts are approved for marine use. They should bear a UL Marine Listing label and be marked ignition protected. Approved parts have demonstrated their ability to withstand shock, corrosion, water contact and vibration.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
