Discover the essential fire emergency procedures on a yacht. Learn what to do in case of a fire at sea, from raising the alarm to launching the liferaft, and how to brief your crew for onboard fire safety.

---

When sailing offshore, fire is one of the most serious emergencies you can face. Unlike on land, help is not readily available, and a fire on a yacht can escalate from manageable to catastrophic in minutes. That’s why knowing how to respond—and preparing your crew in advance—is absolutely crucial for onboard safety.

🔥 Why Fire at Sea Is So Dangerous

On a yacht, fires are especially hazardous due to:

• Confined spaces that fill with smoke rapidly

• Toxic fumes from burning fibreglass, insulation, and plastic wiring

• The speed at which a fibreglass hull can be consumed, often burning to the waterline in minutes

Most fatalities during yacht fires result from smoke inhalation, not burns—making early detection and immediate action vital.

---

🚨 Immediate Steps to Take During a Yacht Fire

If a fire breaks out onboard, follow this critical action plan:

1. Raise the Alarm Immediately

Alert everyone on board. Yell "FIRE!" clearly and loudly to ensure all crew members are aware.

2. Muster Crew on Deck

Assemble everyone topside in full sailing gear. Fresh air is crucial, and the deck is typically the safest place away from smoke.

3. Assign Firefighting Duties

If it’s safe, allocate specific crew to tackle the fire using available extinguishers or a fire blanket. Always consider the source of the fire (galley, engine room, electrics, etc.) and select the correct suppression method.

4. Cut Off Fuel and Batteries

Immediately isolate the fuel supply and turn off the engine battery. Keep the domestic battery live so you can send a VHF Mayday call.

5. Send a Distress Call

Use VHF Channel 16 to transmit a Mayday message. Take the grab bag, EPIRB, flares, and handheld VHF to the deck.

6. Isolate and Remove Gas Bottles

Shut off gas at the deck valves and, if possible, remove any LPG or butane cylinders from the vessel entirely.

7. Prepare to Abandon Ship

If the fire becomes uncontrollable, launch the liferaft upwind of the flames and prepare to evacuate. In contrast to most emergencies, abandoning ship due to fire may be necessary early—especially to avoid toxic smoke.

---

✅ Fire Prevention: The Skipper’s Responsibility

The best way to handle a fire is to prevent it. A responsible skipper should conduct a full safety briefing at the start of any voyage, covering:

• Location and operation of fire extinguishers and fire blanket

• How to use the VHF radio and Mayday card

• Location of fuel shut-offs and gas valves

• Emergency escape routes and muster points

• What's inside the grab bag

Remember: if your crew is briefed, calm, and knows what to do, they’ll respond faster and more effectively in an emergency.

---

🔥 Final Thoughts: Fire Safety Saves Lives

Fire safety at sea is no joke. By taking proactive steps, maintaining your equipment, and making sure every crew member knows their role, you increase the chances of swiftly containing a fire—or safely abandoning ship if it becomes unavoidable.

A few minutes of preparation could save your life.