How Common are Boat Fires in BC?
Yes, it’s possible that your boat could catch fire. Fortunately, boat fires aren’t regular occurrences. What’s important for B.C. boaters, especially new boaters, is to know how to prevent an onboard fire.
When you prioritize safety and preparedness, you can minimize the occurrence and impact of marine fires as a boater in British Columbia.
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What can start a boat fire?
Boat fires can start due to electrical, mechanical, or human factors:
- Electrical: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, corroded or loose connections, and improper installation of battery cables or marine electronics. Older boats are at risk if their electrical systems have not been updated to handle modern loads.
- Mechanical: Overheated engine and exhaust systems, lack of maintenance, fuel leaks from engine vibration. Mechanical failures can create sparks or expose hot surfaces that can ignite any flammable materials stored nearby.
- Human: Incorrectly installed or poorly maintained electrical systems, batteries, fuel lines, smoking in confined areas, improper use of fuel-burning appliances, and using non-marine-rated equipment. Putting flammable materials in a confined space may also cause a fire.
How often do boat fires occur in Canada?
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has reported that there are typically between 30 and 45 marine fire or explosion accidents reported annually across the country.
The BC Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) does not break out boat or marine vessel fires as a separate category.
How can you prevent a boat fire in B.C.?
Regular maintenance and inspection
You’ll need to routinely inspect and maintain your B.C. boat’s electrical systems, wiring, and fuel lines to catch and repair any faults or leaks before they become potential fire hazards.
Make sure that your boat’s cooling and exhaust systems are working properly to prevent overheating, which can ignite a fire.
Handle fuel safely
Just like your car, always turn off the boat’s engine before refueling.
Regularly check for any leaks and store fuel in approved, sealed containers in well-ventilated areas.
Proper storage of flammable materials
Store gasoline, propane, and solvents in designated, ventilated lockers that aren’t near any heat sources.
It’s important to avoid any clutter that could block access to firefighting equipment or emergency exits.
Install and maintain fire safety equipment
Make sure that your B.C. boat has the correct number and type of marine-rated fire extinguishers and check them regularly for pressure and expiration dates. Install smoke and heat detectors in enclosed areas like cabins or galleys. Have fire blankets on board, especially if your boat has cooking facilities.
Ventilation
Properly ventilate engine compartments and cabins. Doing this will help prevent the buildup of flammable vapors, especially after you refuel or start the boat’s engine.
Safe behavior
Do not allow smoking below deck or near fueling areas. Never leave galley appliances or open flames unattended. Avoid overloading power outlets.
Prepare for an emergency
Have a fire response plan with everyone on board, including how to use extinguishers, shut down fuel systems, and evacuate if needed. Make sure that passengers know the location of safety equipment and how to use a marine radio.
What’s a marine fire extinguisher?
A marine fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher that is specifically designed, rated, and approved for use on boats and other watercraft. These extinguishers are required by law to be carried on most boats in B.C. and in the rest of Canada and must meet specific standards. Does your B.C. boat have a marine fire extinguisher?
What role does maintenance play in preventing a boat fire?
Regular maintenance helps prevent B.C. boat fires by solving or fixing an electrical or mechanical problem before it can become a fire hazard.
What to do if your B.C. boat catches fire
If your boat catches fire:
- Alert all passengers and get them to put their lifejackets on right away
- Turn off the boat’s engine and all fuel sources
- Attempt to put out the fire with a marine fire extinguisher
- Call for help using a marine radio
- Evacuate if you can’t control the fire or move everyone to a safe area
- Account for everyone once in the water or lifeboat
Why B.C. boat insurance is important if your boat catches fire
Boat insurance in British Columbia is important if your boat catches fire because it provides financial protection against the costs of repairing or replacing your watercraft and its equipment. Most boat insurance policies cover fire as a standard peril, meaning you can claim damage or total loss resulting from a fire, whether it occurs on the water or while your boat is in storage.
To sum it all up
Regular boat maintenance, safety preparedness, and boat insurance will help protect you, your passengers, and your boat in the case of fire.
5 FAQs
Is B.C. boat insurance mandatory?
No, marine insurance isn’t legally required in British Columbia. If your boat is financed, your lender will likely require you to get boat insurance and B.C. marinas can require liability insurance for docking and mooring privileges.
What is excluded in B.C. boat insurance?
Wear and tear, negligence, poor maintenance, faulty repairs, mould, and improper storage are typically common marine insurance exclusions.
Why is liability coverage an important part of B.C. marine insurance?
Liability coverage protects you from financial consequences if your boat causes injury or death to others or damages someone else's property. Boat accidents can result in costly legal claims, medical expenses, and property repairs. Liability coverage as part of your BC boat insurance helps pays for these costs, including legal defense fees if you are sued, settlements, and court-awarded damages.
Is BC boat insurance all year round?
Yes, a boat insurance policy is typically 12 months, protecting your boat while it’s out of the water.
What are the top 3 boat insurance claims?
The top 3 boat insurance claims are hitting an object such as a submerged rock or log or a dock, theft especially when the boat is out of the water, and weather-related damage such as lightning, storms, or high winds.
