Is your boat fire safety above board?

This week is Boat Fire Safety week and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is giving a stern warning to boaters - it’s a-boat time all boaters install suitable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Service will be giving safety advice throughout the week and will be visiting boat owners in Roydon Marnina handing out boat fire safety leaflets to help crew members know the risks and how to protect themselves.

With boating season on the horizon, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service wants every boater in Essex to install and test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Station Manager Carl Pullen from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service lives on a houseboat on the Dengie.

He said: “In Essex, we have a lot of coastline. We have canals, we have rivers. There's a lot of boats, there's a lot of marinas in our waters.

“As we have so many boats in the county, fire safety really should be at the top of your agenda. Whether you’re on a yacht a barge.

“My advice to you is to make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm and a working smoke alarm. These are essential to keep you safe on your boats. Test them once a week.”

There are many fire and carbon monoxide risks on boats including heating systems on them like central heating as well as long burners, electric, gas ovens, gas hobs, electric ovens etc.

Carl also suggests: “As boats carry 12 volt electrics or 24 volt electrics as opposed to main electrics from shore power it is worth having that serviced every year and make sure you've got a reputable person that can come out and do you electrics for you.”

For more safety advice, visit: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/staysafe