The Importance Of Safety Equipment During A Marine Fire

The idea of a fire occurring at sea is a terrifying one. Isolated from dry land and far away from the assistance of emergency services, identifying the appropriate marine fire protection and knowing how it works is not something that you can afford to get wrong. Whether you’re going for a quick cruise down the coast or setting out to sea for an extended voyage, Thameside Fire Protection are here to ensure you have adequate fire protection onboard to remain safe throughout your journey.

Continue reading to discover the importance of safety equipment on boats, including fire sprinklers, fire alarms and buoyancy aids.

What Is A Marine Fire?

Marine fires constitute any sort of fire which occurs at sea on board a vessel. Ships can be known to carry large amounts of combustible cargo, with flammable substances like oil and petrol frequently transported across bodies of water. It is extremely important for these ships to be equipped with the appropriate appliances to control the spread of fires before they become difficult to manage. Ships must meet necessary safety standards and should be equipped with important fire-fighting appliances as well as safety equipment in the case of a ship being evacuated.

Extinguishers And Blankets

Appropriate equipment for stopping the spread of a fire before it gets out of control, extinguishers and fire blankets are kept within reach of the public. They can be utilised if a blaze starts out small yet manageable and there is opportunity to control the fire before it begins to spread. Extinguishers are portable apparatus that are regularly attached to walls, they usually come in the form of small tanks equipped with hand pumps, and can propel a foam when directed towards the fire. Fire blankets can also be used practically, by cutting off the oxygen supply of a fire and smothering it when covered.

Sprinkler Systems And Fire Alarms

A fire sprinkler system is a network of piping used to store water from a main or tank, which is automatically activated in the instance of a fire via heat sensors. An effective means of stopping a fire before it spreads to other areas, a network of sprinkler systems will rarely activate at once, with one or two sprinkler heads usually enough to eliminate a small fire. Fire alarms can work in a variety of ways, with some designs activated by heat, and others by detecting smoke. They quickly notify those nearby to a blaze via a shrill or loud noise.

Life Jackets, Life Rafts And Lifeboats

Essential within a marine environment, life jackets, rafts and lifeboats can be literal life-savers if an uncontrollable fire occurs on board a vessel. Portable and maintainable, jackets and buoyancy aids should be found on board most ships as an important precautionary measure. This equipment is crucial for when a ship needs to be immediately evacuated, and those on board require a means of escape.

With over 30 years of experience, we are a family-owned business that has grown to be one of the largest fire protection companies in the UK. Our fire solutions are suitable for everyone’s needs. From the installation of fire alarms and fire sprinklers to training courses and repairs, we can help you find the fire protection that’s exactly right for you. For more information on tailored fire safety solutions, contact us today.