Firefighters visit boat owners during Boat Safety Week (25-31 May)

Devon has a variety of waterways from marinas, canals, lakes, coastal inlets, harbours and quays. Throughout Boat Safety week  25- 31 May, firefighters will be handing out leaflets and talking to boat owners to ensure they make vital safety checks, helping them to protect themselves, their passengers as well as their boat.

Watch Manager Nigel Snowshall from White Watch in Exmouth spoke with Chris Wilton, harbourmaster at Exmouth Marina. Chris said: “Exmouth Marina is delighted to support the Boat Safety campaign being run by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Any scheme that encourages boat safety is very important, particularly in light of the recent tragic accident in Padstow.

“The vessels in our Marina have to comply with the British Marine Federation rules and regulations; this includes having adequate fire-fighting and detection provision, gas safety inspections and electrical test certificates. We also promote the use of carbon monoxide detectors in cabins as many owners spend weekends aboard and cook with gas and have gas or diesel heating, all of which could, if operating incorrectly, give off deadly fumes. We want boat owners to have a safe time on board their boats here at Exmouth Marina.”

The Boat Safety Scheme urges owners to keep their boats well maintained and to keep alert to possible leaks, poor running engines and the strong smell of petrol. The number of fires on boats throughout the coastal and inland waters is relatively low, but when a fire takes hold the consequences are often devastating.

Crew Manager Giles White (pictured) handing over boat safety week leaflets to Ian Stuart of Stuart Line Cruises Exmouth. Ian said: “Stuart Lines are and always have fully supported the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Boat Safety campaign. All of their vessels fully comply with the very strict rules and regulations imposed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.”

“I travel up and down the River Exe several times a day and I am often shocked to see boat owners filling up their fuel tanks on board whilst still smoking. An accident waiting to happen! People don’t realise that petroleum vapours are heavier than air and will sink down into the bilges of a boat, many people have been killed by an explosion resulting from this carelessness."

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