Use a hand fi re extinguisher. Make sure to point it at
the base of the fl ames. Use short bursts and sweep the
extinguisher side to side. Remember: A 4 lb. extinguisher
discharges in 20 seconds, so be effi cient.
These actions help prevent the fi re from spreading to other parts of
the boat. You can extinguish fi res quickly if you act swiftly. Have a
plan of action in case a fi re breaks out. At least one hand portable
fi re extinguisher must always be equipped at the helm, ready for the
captain to use at any time.
In order to comply with Coast Guard regulations, all engines should
come equipped with a fl ame arrestor. As your engine operates,
sometimes fuel vapors can linger in certain areas of the engine and
catch fi re. The fl ame arrestor prevents fl ames from backfi ring out of
your engine and exposing the fl ame to the entire engine compartment.
The removal of this device while the engine is on, is not only
hazardous, but breaks Coast Guard regulations. Check your fl ame
arrestor according to the engine manufacturer specifi cations to ensure
your engine compartment is properly protected.
1-42
Chapter 1
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