[OSMB-News] News Release -Smoke Alarms and Cruising Vessels –Early Detection can Save Lives

[Massey, Ashley]

For Immediate Release                               Date: Friday, December 19, 2014

Smoke Alarms and Cruising Vessels –Early Detection can Save Lives

[cid:image002.png at 01D01B75.BB6F6DF0]              When winter weather sets in, live-aboard boaters on cruising vessels and sailboats (boats with cabins) crank up the heat and spend more time inside.  But many of these types of boats are not equipped with smoke alarms, and early detection has proven to save lives in homes and RV’s.  So why are smoke alarms rarely found on boats that have cabin spaces?  You guessed it.  They’re not required.  However, the Oregon State Marine Board wants to appeal to owners of cruising vessels that the risk of fire on board your boat can happen, and it’s worth it to invest in the most reliable and affordable life saving device out on the market –a smoke alarm.
While not required for recreational vessels, the Coast Guard Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 46 guidelines requires that smoke alarms be installed in the sleeping compartments of small inspected passenger vessels.  An RV rated smoke alarm (label reads UL 217 RV) is approved for use on cruising vessels.  Unlike the smoke alarms used in homes, the RV rated alarms must withstand higher temperature variations, vibrations, humidity and mild saltwater exposure.  The RV rated smoke alarm is similarly recommended for use on recreational boats by the National Fire Protection Association.  However, due to the extreme environments in some areas, experts recommend regular inspections and a replacement cycle roughly every five years.
Cruising vessels have a variety of potential fire dangers, more than a typical home.  Pleasure boats have a high fire load in the form of combustible fuel storage that supplies multiple on-board devices, an AC and DC electrical system (which are subject to regular moisture that causes corrosion, vibration and jarring as part of the normal use).  A boat’s construction materials are extremely combustible as are interior furnishings.  According to Boat U.S<http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/fire/>., 55% of boat fires are electrical in nature and will start in a smoldering state.  Propulsion, fuel, engine and exhaust problems, as well as unattended cooking, careless smoking, heating devices and other appliances are also among the causes.  In all of these cases, early detection of smoke can be the key to preventing a fire or stopping it in the early stages.
            Many people have smoke alarms in their homes and RV’s, so why not the boat?  This simple device can save lives, protect neighboring boats, docks or structures if the boat is kept at a moorage.  A smoke alarm is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your on-the-water home or pleasure craft.
            For more information about the Marine Board and other required equipment, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/BoatLaws/Pages/Regulations.aspx.


###

Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>
[EmailLogo]<http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/pages/index.aspx>
www.boatoregon.com<http://www.boatoregon.com/>
www.facebook.com/boatoregon<http://www.facebook.com/boatoregon>
www.twitter.com/marineboard<http://www.twitter.com/marineboard>
www.youtube.com/marineboard<http://www.youtube.com/marineboard>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/osmb-news/attachments/20141219/77bc9228/attachment.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 63133 bytes
Desc: image001.png
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/osmb-news/attachments/20141219/77bc9228/attachment.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 65774 bytes
Desc: image002.png
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/osmb-news/attachments/20141219/77bc9228/attachment-0001.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.png
Type: image/png
Size: 5977 bytes
Desc: image003.png
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/osmb-news/attachments/20141219/77bc9228/attachment-0002.png>