SAFETY-17
requirements by placing additional fi re extinguishers
where they may be needed. Inspect all fi re extinguish-
ing equipment frequently and review emergency
plans on a regular basis.
As a yacht owner, you should develop a Fire Re-
sponse Plan and familiarize all passengers with
this plan before departing on your cruise. The Fire
Response Plan will identify the type of fi re you may
encounter and the appropriate reaction to quickly
extinguish it before it gets out of control. Having a
Fire Response Plan in place and the assignment of
certain responsibilities to your passengers will result
in faster and more accurate decisions and reactions
in the event of a fi re aboard your yacht.
Important: All passengers on board your yacht
should know the location of your fi re extinguishers
and be familiar with their use.
In the event a fi re does start aboard your yacht, follow
these guidelines:
If you detect a fi re or suspect a fi re aboard your
yacht, immediately turn OFF your engines and
electrical power supply. DO NOT turn OFF power
to your VHF radio.
Be certain all persons on board put on their
PFD.
If the fi re is in the engine/generator compartment,
DO NOT open the hatch. The fi re will fl are with
the sudden introduction of fresh air.
If you are able to get to the source of the fi re, aim
your fi re extinguisher at the base of the fl ames
and use a sweeping action to extinguish it. Con-
centrating your fi re extinguisher in one location
may cause the fi re to spread.
If the fi re becomes out of control, send a distress
signal and call for assistance on your VHF radio.
Be certain to provide any potential responders
with your location and a description of your situ-
ation. If you have SeaKey Services, you should
send a “MAYDAY” Signal and mark your loca-
tion. For information on these procedures, refer
to your SeaKey Operators Guide.
Deciding whether to stay on board your yacht or
abandon ship may be diffi cult and depends on the
extent of the fi re and the weather conditions. If you
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decide to abandon ship, all persons on board should
jump, not dive, overboard and swim a safe distance
away from the burning yacht. Be certain all persons
stay together after abandoning ship.
Be certain to read and have a thorough understand-
ing of the Portable Fire Extinguisher System Section
and the Automatic Fire Extinguisher System Section
of this Owner’s Manual. They contain valuable infor-
mation and warnings for your safety.
Prevention is the safest and most effective method of
fi ghting fi re aboard your yacht. Always follow these
guidelines:
Use extreme caution and refrain from smoking
while fueling your yacht.
Use only marine safety approved cooking and
heating systems and follow the manufacturer’s
directions concerning their operation.
Open fl ames demand constant attention. DO
NOT leave any open fl ame unattended.
Ensure ventilation systems are unobstructed.
Always provide adequate ventilation when clean-
ing and painting.
Use extreme caution when using liquefi ed pe-
troleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas
(CNG). Close valves to cylinders and supply
lines when not in use.
Operate exhaust blower motors at least fi ve (5)
minutes before starting the engines or genera-
tor.
Use your sense of smell to check for fumes in the
bilge and engine/generator compartment before
starting engines or generator.
Always store fl ammable material in approved
containers and in a locker sealed from the interior
of your yacht and vented overboard.
Remove the canvas enclosure, at least partially,
before starting engines.
Ensure there are no leaks in any fuel system,
including LPG/CNG.
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