Maritime and Coastguard Agency new code of practice - fires on RIBS

[Rohan Holt]

I'm currently working on a response to the MCA code of practice for small workboats consultation document (see <a href="http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm" >http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm</a>.)as part of my work with the Countryside Council for Wales, marine biological diving and monitoring team.

My overriding impressions of this peice of legislation is that it has been written with small RIBs and inflatables very much as an afterthought. It also seems to rate the risk of fire on board boats, even open RIBs and inflatables, much higher than any other risks, such as mechanical breakdowns. What I would like in the way of feedback is some idea of the number of fires that have occurred on specifically open decked RIBs and inflatables compared to the number of breakdowns that have involved assistance from a third party (e.g. lifeboat).

Cheers all
Rohan

Rohan
If you need any further information, please contact me at HQ on 0151 350 6261.
Alistair Reynolds
BSAC Technical Manager

[Andy Wade]

I'm currently working on a response to the MCA code of practice for small workboats consultation document (see <a href="http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm" >http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm</a>.)as part of my work with the Countryside Council for Wales, marine biological diving and monitoring team.

My overriding impressions of this peice of legislation is that it has been written with small RIBs and inflatables very much as an afterthought. It also seems to rate the risk of fire on board boats, even open RIBs and inflatables, much higher than any other risks, such as mechanical breakdowns. What I would like in the way of feedback is some idea of the number of fires that have occurred on specifically open decked RIBs and inflatables compared to the number of breakdowns that have involved assistance from a third party (e.g. lifeboat).


OK I'll start this first then....
After 25 years as a diver, I've never ever seen a fire in any inflatable, even with the odd smoker and fuel cans and oxygen floating about.

The line goes.... that "90% of outboard maintenance is done at sea", and IME it certainly is true.
I've also had a tow from friendly dive boats on about 3 occasions over the years, and done the same for others about twice myself.
Occasional breakdowns are a sad fact of life but fires are pretty rare IME.

Hope this helps.






.

[Paul Oliver]

Hi

We have a well worn set of boats and we would expect several breakdowns each year. Some resulting in a limp back others requiring a tow.

We as a general rule always have at least 2 boats out. Plus we know the Dover patrol boat will come out on any excuse to help.

Fire! Never, mechanical, electrical or human error - all the time.

Regards

Paul

[John Williams]

With 80 years experience of boating in my immediate family (us and my in-laws) the closest we've ever come to a fire on board was when the toaster on the river cruiser jammed and the smoke alarm went off because the toast burned.

Never even heard of a rib fire - though I have always taken the opportunity to ban smoking on the boat because of the risk with fuel and O2 about. Wasn't really worried - just that cigarrette smoke always made me travel sick in a car and seasick on a boat (big or small).


John

[angleseydiver]

HI, Rohan,
My mate's engine caught fire last month. As new as you can get and first time in water after service under warranty. The engineer who serviced it had done something wrong, apparently,resulting in the fire. So it can, and does, happen.

ATB, Terry:=I'm currently working on a response to the MCA code of practice for small workboats consultation document (see <a href="http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm" >http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm</a>.)as part of my work with the Countryside Council for Wales, marine biological diving and monitoring team.

My overriding impressions of this peice of legislation is that it has been written with small RIBs and inflatables very much as an afterthought. It also seems to rate the risk of fire on board boats, even open RIBs and inflatables, much higher than any other risks, such as mechanical breakdowns. What I would like in the way of feedback is some idea of the number of fires that have occurred on specifically open decked RIBs and inflatables compared to the number of breakdowns that have involved assistance from a third party (e.g. lifeboat).

Cheers all
Rohan

[vice-chairman]

I'm currently working on a response to the MCA code of practice for small workboats consultation document (see <a href="http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm" >http://www.mcagency.org.uk/consultation/small_vessel/index.htm</a>.)as part of my work with the Countryside Council for Wales, marine biological diving and monitoring team.

My overriding impressions of this peice of legislation is that it has been written with small RIBs and inflatables very much as an afterthought. It also seems to rate the risk of fire on board boats, even open RIBs and inflatables, much higher than any other risks, such as mechanical breakdowns. What I would like in the way of feedback is some idea of the number of fires that have occurred on specifically open decked RIBs and inflatables compared to the number of breakdowns that have involved assistance from a third party (e.g. lifeboat).

Cheers all
Rohan
Hi Rohan,

This ?hot potato? has been around for quite some time. BSAC have been actively involved with the MCA sub committee for the Harmonisation of Codes of Practice as well as taking a leading role in the Safety at Sea Steering Group.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency?s (MCA) Harmonised Code for the operation of small vessels involved in diving operations is aimed primarily at commercial operators. Although club and individual boats are exempt from the Code, the MCA have suggested that branch run boats should make every attempt to comply with these codes or to follow guidelines provided by their diving organisation.

BSAC has produced a set of guidelines in association with the Safety at Sea Steering Group as well as other diving agencies within the UK. These guidelines are now ready to be published as I type.

This booklet will provide that guidance for those involved with BSAC branch diving, that involves the use of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), similar craft and hard boats for recreational diving.

The booklet is to be used as a guide to the equipment that should be carried on RHIBs that are owned by ?non-commercial? operations, such as BSAC branches, clubs and individual BSAC members providing their boats for branch use.

Although the occurrence of fire on a RHIB is very infrequent, it can be very devastating if it does break out. The following is an extract from the guidelines

Fire extinguishers

An appropriate number and type of in-date extinguishers must be carried onboard. Seawater can always be used in an emergency but is quite unsuitable for dealing with electrical or petrol fires. For this type of fire a dry powder or foam extinguisher is recommended. It is essential that at least ONE foam or dry powder extinguisher be carried on any vessel. The positioning of this extinguisher must afford easy access in the event of a fire but not impede the normal operation of the vessel and diving activities.

The Safety at Sea Steering Group is made up of representatives from BSAC, PADI, SSA, SSAC, WASAC, MCA, HSE, DDRC and RNLI.

I hope this answers your question but if you require more information or want to chat this through I?m more than happy to take this off line through my personal email address, i.e. <a href="mailto:vice-chairman@bsac.com">vice-chairman@bsac.com</a>

Cheers??.Allan

[tim weaver]

Once had an electrical fire caused by a siezed bilge pump which was not fused causing a short circuit. First thing noticed was a bad smell of burning! Fixed the problem by slicing the offending wire with a dive knife. A bit scary really becuse the electrics are all clustered around the fuel tank.

[Si Brookes]

As previously stated, though rare its affects are devastating, we had the ocasion of a fire in our engine cowling caused we believe by an incorrectly fitted fuel line to a fuel filter leaking it then ignited and burnt through the engine wiring loom this after a proffessional service.

It does happen so plan for it. Talk to a fireman and he'll tell you the rules as regards combustion/prevention versus cure etc. Remember fuel vapour is heavier than air so attend to venting systems and do please seal your fuel system correctly. A RIB I once saw had had a problem some time previously with the existing fuel pickup to their built in tank; the solution? simple drill a hole in the fuel cap and poke the pick up through(it ran in this state for some 5 years after that).

We also had a near miss with a split enrichment fuel line to the carbs this was picked up during routine maintenance by a visual inspection due to the primer bulb not reaching hardness.

Extinguisherswise consider having foam and CO2, dry powder is ok and cheap but its messy. Think of the embarrassment of reaching port looking like an arctic combat unit!

Si