Charles Hunter of Greenville was in his boat on Lake Hartwell May 24, minutes after refueling and launching at Saddlers Creek Boat Ramp, when an explosion occurred and the boat begin to burn. Uninjured, he was helped into another boat. Williford Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the fire, but the boat sank.

Shipshape is Firesafe
According to the Office of Boating Safety website, Fire safety is something that everyone who owns or operates a boat should practice. Each year, boating fires and explosions injure hndreds of individuals and cause millions of dollars in property damage. While there is a greater chance for a fire or explosion on a boat than on land, many of these accidents can be prevented.

Fuel and fuel vapors are two of the leading ingredients in all boating accidents involving fires and explosions. Keep fuel and vapors in their proper places and make all of your boating trips firesafe.

In General or Seasonal
Be alert for damage to your boat's fuel system. Over time, fuel fittings and fuel hoses wear out. Inspect these fittings and hoses regularly, especially near the engine where engine heat and vibration can accelerate deterioration.

• Inpsect fuel tanks annually. Pay particular attention to bottom surfaces which may have been in contact with bilge water. Also check to see if any part of the tank could have rusted or been damaged due to rubbing and abrasion. Permanently installed fuel tanks and closed compartments that contain engine or fuel tanks must be vented to the outside.
• Be sure the fuel fill pipe is securely mounted, grounded, and located where spilled fuel would be directed overboard. Fuel fill hoses that are dry and cracked or soft and mushy should be replaced immediately.
• If a hose or fuel tank is leaking, replace it before using your boat.
• Use only marine-rated parts for repairs.
• On a boat with portable fuel tanks, make sure the vents can be closed and the tanks have a vapor-tight, leak-proof cap. The vent on a portable tank should be open when the motor is running, but when the tank is not in use, the vent and the cap should be tightly closed.
• Make sure any powered ventilation (a bilge blower) is operating properly.
• Be sure heating and cooking appliances on board are secured and operate properly. Refer to the appliance owner's manual for guidance on inspecting for leaks in valves and connections; NEVER USE A MATCH.
• Make sure flammable items are stowed safely and cannot come into contact with cooking or heating appliances or hot engine parts.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are Coast Guard approved and in working order - that gauges register and nozzles are clear.
• Take a boating safety course and learn the correct use of a fire extinguisher aboard a boat.
• Repair all bare wires and loose electrical connections; they might cause a short in your boat's electrical system, which could start a fire.
• Do not store disposable propane cylinders or charcoal lighting fluid on board.
• Conduct a bow to stern inspection checking for fuel leaks.

Before Casting Off

Get in the habit of performing these brief steps:

• "Sniff" your bilges. Usually your nose is the best fuel/vapor detector. It will mean getting down on your hands and knees, but it's the best way to do it.
• Operate the bilge blower for AT LEAST FOUR MINUTES before starting an inboard engine. If you still smell fumes, try to locate the source and make repairs before starting the engine.
• Make sure the location of your fire extinguishers is known to all passengers and they know how to operate them.
• When refueling, close all hatches, ports and other openings; shut off all engines and motors; and refrain from smoking. Fill all portable tanks on the dock.
• After refueling, wipe up or wash off any excess or spilled fuel; open all hatches and ports; and let the boat air out. "Sniff" your bilges. Operate the bilge blower for at least four minutes before starting an inboard engine.