Trapped!
20 August 2010
Some sobering correspondence arrived at the Boat Safety Scheme this month. It began: "My wife and I are increasingly noticing the number of boaters who lock their stern cabin doors with a padlock from the outside whilst still onboard the boat..."
When you're away from the boat, external security is paramount, but when aboard, you'll need internal door locking arrangements, because if fire breaks out, nothing should block or hinder your escape.
The fire research is clear, some people can succumb to the toxic smoke and fumes in seconds and even young, fit people can fall unconscious very quickly.
'Escape' should be part of your emergency plans that take account of being woken from the deepest sleep and feeling dozy and disoriented especially in choking fumes.
Here are some pointers:
- When aboard, all crew members should know the fire action plan and special consideration should be given to children, older and disabled people and any pets.
- Plans should take account of where and how the boat is moored.
- When aboard, never lock or bolt doors or hatches from the outside.
- If you lock doors at night on the inside, have any key ready for use where it's needed.
- If the route involves breaking a window, have the breaking tool ready for action.
- Don't clutter escape routes, including corridors, companion ways, steps etc, with anything that could trip you or slow you down.
- Fire extinguishers can help you escape, make sure that they're all in good condition and in appropriate places ready to use.
- Have torches handy in the sleeping quarters.
Crucially as every second counts, get an early warning, fit a smoke alarm and test it routinely - see www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire for more advice and don't drown in toxic smoke.
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6 responses to this post
Linda King said...
I have not been able to find a boatyard who can suggest a suitable way of securing my boat from the inside. Therefore the best way is with the outside padlock - of course I don't use it if I am on board. Has anyone a good way of securing my wood-lined back slide to the doors, it would definitely make life a lot easier!
Bob Naylor said...
Rob, These are very good points well made. Another instance when a quick exit from the vessel might be necessary is in a lock - as the dramatic sinkings from boats getting caught on lock cills has shown in the recent past.
Unfortunately a canal society website recently advised that boat doors should be locked while boats are in
locks in case someone hopped on board and stole valuables. Surely the safety of anyone onboard is paramount and the best thing would be to keep easily removed valuables out of sight. This really bad advice is still on the website.
Raymond Harvey said...
My rear cruiser-style boat door is secured by internal and external bolts. The outer bolt is secured with a padlock which I have never applied whilst the boat has been occupied.
The padlock has been kept inside the boat during these times.
Reading this article I have just realised that by malice or prank a passer-by could 'shoot the bolt' rendering egress impossible.
My new practice will be to padlock the bolt in its 'unshot' position when the boat is occupied.
Linda King said...
Have just called into Braidbar on the Macclesfield - problem solved! They fit their wonderful solid brass catches to the inside of the doors, making them secureable from the inside. Then they drill a hole through the hatch runner so a padlock can be used to stop the slide being moved. Thus you can open the doors from the inside but the slide is safe from someone outside moving it. Obviously you can still padlock from the outside as usual when you leave the boat. Unfortunately Braidbar don't yet sell their strong brass side catches in their shop or on the internet - but will fit if you call in!
clive wren said...
I used to secure my back cabin and engine room doors and hatches with a padlock on the outside. When I refurbished the boat recently, I installed morticed hook bolts (as used on patio sliding doors) in the tops of the leading doors and keeps set into the hatches. These are operated by key on the outside and thumbturn on the inside. They are unobtrusive and work well.
Roger Davies said...
What a coincidence - I too have noticed this trend, and only this weekend saw two such boats with the front open, but the back doors padlocked! I only ever use internal cabin bolts when aboard.