Yes, it is the middle of winter and the creeks and rivers may have ice on them, but it is not too early to be thinking about a small thing that can save you life!  You don’t want to wait until the first time you take your boat out in the spring to find the fire extinguisher you carry on board has expired or does not have enough pressure.

One of the scariest occurrences in life is an uncontrolled fire.  On land, people normally have some path to egress; somewhere to run; some safe ground they can go to.  But a fire aboard a ship could mean death, from the fire, the smoke or drowning, since there is no where to run while on the high seas.

A fire on a naval ship or a passenger ship, while still a major cause of concern; is inherently less dangerous than a fire on a recreational boat.  All naval vessels and passenger ships have trained firefighting teams.  On large passenger ships and naval vessels, there are members of the crew whose sole duty is firefighting.  However, unless you or a friend are firefighters, your crew on your recreational boat, doesn’t have trained firefighters.

The first step in fire fighting is preventing the fire.  The second step is having proper fire fighting equipment, and on a recreational boat, it is your fire extinguisher.

In the early 1960’s, with the boon to recreational boating and the rise in the overall accident and death rate, the Coast Guard along with Congress took a hard look at safety for these recreational boaters.  It is during this time that all the federal equipment requirements were initially formulated.

If you’re interested, take a look at the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46 – Shipping and Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters.  These two titles contain all the federal laws related to boating safety, as well as other aspects of boating and the maritime industry. Federal requirements mandate that all vessels with gasoline/diesel engines carry approved fire extinguishers.  The Code specifically states that the extinguishers must be labeled “Marine Type USCG Type --------, Size --------, Approval No. 162.028/-- ------.” Sec. [162.028-4]

This is very important.  The reasoning for this requirement on all fire extinguishers used in the marine environment has to do with the safety tests and construction requirements built into the Code.  Marine fire extinguishers have to pass tests related to corrosion, salt spray tests, bursting pressure, vibration tests among other requirements.  Remember, most equipment on your boat needs to be better made, and made from different materials than those you’ll find in your home or car.  The marine environment is very, very tough and not very forgiving on equipment!

Specific requirements for recreational boaters

Fire extinguishers are required if one of the following conditions exists: Your vessel has inboard engine(s); (2) You have closed compartments that store portable fuel tanks; (3) Your boat has double bottom hulls not completely sealed or not completely filled with flotation materials (4) You have a cabin that contains closed living space (5) You have closed stowage compartments that contain flammable materials or (6) Your vessel has permanently installed fuel tanks.

Just like the federal regulation about lifejackets, if your lifejackets or fire extinguishers are not readily accessible and verified as serviceable, the Coast Guard considers them not to be there if your are boarded for a safety check.  More importantly, and not withstanding the legal ramifications, if you can’t get to your life jacket or fire extinguisher when you need it, and if it doesn’t work, then your in major trouble.

The referenced chart showing the required number of extinguishers should be considered not enough.  Should you encounter a fire, the extinguishers will only last a short time at and once you out of fire suppressant, what do you do then?

Placement of your extinguishers

There is no ideal place for each boat is of a different design and construction.  However a few pointers may assist you in where you ultimately place your extinguishers.

First, if all possible, especially if you’re using dry chemical extinguishers, is to mount the fire extinguisher parallel to the deck, this way the chemical is constantly being shaken within the container and doesn’t pack down.  Should the chemical pack down, the extinguisher won’t work properly.

Second, find a spot handy on the outside of your engine compartment.  Should there be a fire in your engine compartment, you don’t want to open it to find your fire extinguisher.  That would add much needed oxygen to the combustion triangle, and make your situation go from bad to worse.

Third, place an extinguisher by the helm.  Someone is usually always by the helm, especially when underway, and this make it easy to quickly grab an extinguisher.

Fourth, place one by the galley, for obvious reasons.

Fifth, place one in each of the cabins.  Again, should fire break out while your in the cabin, it’s a grab and run action.

Some final points

Create a fire plan.  Decide where everyone will muster.  I know on a small boat you don’t have much choice, but on the bow is the best place – which is as far away from the engine room and gas tanks as possible.

When you have new guests on board your vessel, besides showing them the amenities of the house, you should also show them the safety items of the house.

Show them where all the fire extinguishers are.  Where you keep your life jackets and how the radio works and to call for help.  If you have a GPS, show them how to quickly find your Lat-Lon.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 33 members review these points each and every time prior to leaving the dock for patrol!

“Remember to practice your fire plan, as well as your man overboard plan, “commented Brian McArdle, Flotilla 33 Commander.  “These plans may someday save you or someone else’s life.”

Take your old fire extinguishers and actually practice using them.  Understand how they work, and how you fight a fire should one break out.  The last place you want to learn is when there is a fire.  See how long different types of extinguishers last.

And lastly, take more boating education and safety education courses and get an annual Vessel Safety Check.  For more information on Safe Boating Education, contact Don Gallagher at 804-435-2084.  To arrange a free Vessel Safety Check, contact Sam Conge at 804-436-1142.

For more information on United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Kilmarnock, visit http://a0540303.uscgaux.info (no www).

For the third consecutive year, the Richmond County Family YMCA has formed a training team to participate in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K on April 2, 2011. The purpose of the YMCA training team is to take well interested participants and give them all the tools they need to succeed in the annual 10K, no matter your previous experience.  The training team plans to meet on Saturday mornings at 9 am beginning January 22.  The YMCA will provide coaches for each group of walkers, joggers, and runners.  Benefits for being a member of the YMCA training team include Child Watch for each training session, passes for cross training at the YMCA, team in training tshirt and a nutrition seminar from YMCA staff member Dr. Richard Honey.  Last year the YMCA had nearly 60 participants that trained and half participated in the Monument Avenue 10K, one of the largest 10K events in the world.  “We have high hopes to get even more participants to join our training team this year. We also hope to get all of them participating in the race in Richmond as well.” says Barbie Miles, YMCA Health & Wellness Director.

There will be a meeting for all interested participants on January 20^th at 6:45 p.m. at the Richmond County YMCA. For more information call 333-4117. 

NO JOINING FEE THROUGH JANUARY 18 – And half off the joining fee January 19-31! Simply Live Healthy! The Mathews Family YMCA is here to help you and your family thrive, to improve your well-being, connect with others and access support. Membership is affordable for all incomes. Look at our monthly rates online at www.peninsulaymca.org, click on “membership” tab. Call us at (804) 725-1488 or stop by the Mathews Family YMCA at 10746 Buckley Hall Rd, next to Best Value.

FIT FAMILY FRIDAY – Join the Mathews Family Y Friday, January 21 from 5-7 pm at the YMCA for Fit Family Friday. Bring the whole family for games, fitness, healthy snacks and more. This fun family event is free to all! For more information, please call the Y at 804-725-1488.

HEALTHY EATING 101:  Discover strategies to achieve well-being through a balanced diet, identify & eliminate barriers to success, set goals that are realistic, measurable & attainable for you, learn how to translate nutritional facts from the label to the table, and find out how many calories you really need.  One-on-one consultations available for $25/hour scheduled at a time that’s convenient for you.  Ask for Sheila Pillath.

YOUTH FOOTBALL – Are you interested? The Mathews Family YMCA is looking into starting a Youth Football Program and joining the Peninsula Youth Football Association in the fall of 2011.  If you think this program would benefit the youth in Mathews, please contact Brandon Gibbs at Brandon.gibbs@peninsulaymca.org or call 725-1488.

FREE SAMPLER CLASSES –Try one of our popular classes for free! Chair Stretch & Strengthen, Wednesday, January 19 at 1 pm and Zumba©, Tuesday, January 25 at 1 pm. Both one hour sampler classes will be held at Antioch Baptist Church.

ZUMBA© –Our popular ZUMBA© program has been expanded to two nights per week for 2011. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7 pm, THMS multi-purpose room. Free for members, program fee is $45 per month or $7 per class to drop in.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

ADULT CO-ED VOLLEYBALL – Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Mathews Boys & Girls Club. Program fee is $18 per month or $7 to drop in.

PILATES  - resumes February 2. Wednesdays, 9 am, Mathews Active Lifestyle Center.

YOGA – Mondays, 5:30 pm, Kingston Parish.

50+ AEROBICS – Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 10am, Mathews Active Lifestyle Center.

Register for all programs at the Mathews Family YMCA, 10746 Buckley Hall Rd. For more information about this or any other YMCA programs, call 725-1488 or visit our website at www.peninsulaymca.org. As always, financial aid is available for all programs. All of the Mathews YMCA programs are conducted with financial support from the Mathews County Parks and Recreation funding.