What to Do When Your Boat Catches Fire: USCG-Approved Emergency Steps
Boat on fire? Alert, life jackets, MAYDAY, extinguish, abandon if needed.
November 10, 2025
Boat fires—often sparked by fuel leaks, electrical shorts, or engine overheating—require immediate, disciplined action. The steps below follow U.S. Coast Guard, ABYC, and NFPA 302 protocols exactly.
1. Alert Everyone & Don Life Jackets
- USCG 46 CFR 25.25-9: Shout “FIRE!” and ensure every person dons a USCG-approved life jacket (Type I, II, or III).
- Direct passengers forward (bow), away from flames and smoke (USCG Boating Safety Circular 94).
2. Signal MAYDAY on VHF Channel 16
- USCG COMDTINST M16130.2F: Transmit:
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY – This is [boat name/call sign], [GPS position], fire aboard, [number] souls on board.” - Activate 406 MHz EPIRB (USCG 47 CFR 80.1061).
- Deploy visual distress signals (flares, orange smoke) if radio fails (33 CFR 175.130).
3. Cut Fuel & Power (If Safe)
- ABYC H-2 / NFPA 302 §9.5:
- Shut down engine(s).
- Close manual fuel shut-off valves.
- Disconnect battery switch to eliminate ignition sources.
Boat on Fire, Image by VÉHICULE
4. Fight the Fire (Only If Safe)
- USCG 46 CFR 25.30: Use USCG-approved Type B-I, B-II, or fixed systems for liquid fires.
- Apply PASS technique (Pull, Aim low, Squeeze, Sweep) at the base of the flame (NFPA 302 §10.3).
- Never fight a fire that blocks your escape route (USCG Navigation Center).
5. Abandon Ship (When Control Is Lost)
- USCG 46 CFR 28.125:
- Launch USCG-approved life raft (if equipped).
- Enter water upwind and away from burning fuel.
- Stay together; use life raft tether or grab lines.
Prevention (USCG-Required)
- 46 CFR 25.30-15: Carry minimum required extinguishers (e.g., one B-I for boats <26 ft; two B-I or one B-II for 26–40 ft).
- Annual inspection of wiring, fuel systems, and extinguishers (ABYC E-11 / TH-2)
