What are the first steps you should take if a fire erupts on your boat while underway?

When a fire erupts on your boat while you are underway, it's crucial to take immediate and effective action to control the situation. Keeping the fire downwind is vital because it helps to prevent the flames and smoke from being blown toward you or other areas of the boat where flammable materials may be located. Aiming the extinguisher at the base of the flames is equally important, as this is where the fuel source is located. By targeting the base, you can effectively suppress the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Taking these steps helps you to maintain control over the situation and maximize your chances of extinguishing the fire before it escalates. Using a fire extinguisher incorrectly or throwing water on the flames can sometimes exacerbate the situation, especially in cases where flammable liquids are involved, as water may spread the fire. Abandoning ship should only be a last resort, and signaling for help is essential, but it does not address the immediate threat of the fire. Turning off the engine is important to prevent potential explosions or further fuel ignition, but it does not actively tackle the fire itself.

By following the correct approach of keeping the fire downwind and aiming the extinguisher correctly, you have a much better chance of safely handling