Axis Wake Research A20 - Fire Extinguishing Equipment; Safety First

SAFETY FIRST
Even when surrounded by water, re is a signicant concern. In fact, because safe egress from the boat
is limited if it becomes necessary to abandon ship, this issue reinforces the need for easily accessible PFDs.
When boang in the United States, boats of less than 26 feet in length are required to have at least
one (1) B1-rated, hand-held re exnguisher on-board and fully charged, unless there is an automac re
exnguishing system installed. An automac system is available as an opon on Axis boats. Hand-held
units are not included as standard equipment so that the consumer can choose from a wide range of re
exnguishers, many of which exceed the minimum requirements. If the boat does not have an automac
re exnguishing system installed, the boat owner MUST purchase and install at least one (1) B1-rated
re exnguisher.
Most countries have re-exnguishing and suppression requirements for recreaonal boats. It is the
responsibility of the boat owner and/or operator to determine the requirements for the body of water on
which the boang will occur. Ignorance of the law is an unacceptable excuse and will likely not prevent the
boater from receiving a citaon or arrest.
The automac re exnguishing system, where equipped, is mounted inside the engine compartment.
In the event the system’s sensor recognizes extreme heat in the compartment, the system will create a
chemically mixed dry suppression material. In most instances, there is sucient suppression material to
suocate the re and its source. In the event of a re, boat operators should immediately turn OFF the
boat’s engine, which will also shut down the pressurized fuel system.
An automac re exnguishing system has an LED-lighted indicator located adjacent to the throle-
shier at the driver helm. As part of the roune safety checks as the boat powers up, the operator should
verify that the exnguisher system indicator is acve.
Whenever fire extinguishers or suppression units have been
used in fighting an on-board fire, a careful determination
should be made whether it is safe to operate the boat. In most
instances, it is advisable to have the boat towed to shore
rather than risk additional fire or permanent damage to the drive train. The boat should
be thoroughly serviced by an authorized Axis dealer prior to operation again. Operation
prior to service could result in additional damage to the boat, and may result in serious
injury or death.
Following discharge of re suppression material, the system will require recharging. If an automac
system has discharged, it is unlikely that the boat can be run. Axis recommends geng a tow to shore
and having the engine compartment thoroughly cleaned and the re suppression system recharged
prior to running the boat’s engine again. If hand-held units have been discharged, they will also require
recharging. The chemicals in all re suppression units can discolor upholstery and carpeng. It is
recommended that the boat be cleaned as soon as praccal. The re suppression manufacturers provide
informaon regarding the proper and appropriate cleaning agents. Also pay aenon to the cleaning
instrucons provided in the Care and Maintenance secon of this Owner’s Manual to avoid permanent
damage to materials.
Even if systems are not discharged, re exnguishers and suppression units require periodic
maintenance. For a factory-installed automac re suppression system, a check of the system should be
part of the roune annual maintenance. Hand-held units should be examined regularly for rust, corrosion,
damage, or leakage. Weigh the unit annually to be certain that it meets the minimum listed on the label. If
it has been used, even parally, it should be recharged by a qualied re-exnguisher servicing company.
When purchasing re exnguishing and suppression units, Axis strongly recommends buying units that
are prepared specically for the marine environment. The standards for these units have been established
by the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). In other countries, follow the
2016 Axis Wake Research Owner’s Manual . . . Page 2-26
HOW IT
FIRE
EXTIN-
GUISHING
EQUIPMENT