BOAT owners have been reminded to keep their vessels ventilated while working or sleeping on them – after two people were injured in a fire in St Helier Harbour last year.
The advice forms part of Ports of Jersey’s latest safety bulletin, issued in the wake of an investigation into an incident involving a small motor-boat on 30 December.
An explosion and fire – resulting in significant burns to the two people onboard – was caused by a build-up of flammable vapour from fumes from the craft’s inboard petrol tank, and spray paint being used in the cabin.
The build-up was facilitated by a cover, which had been placed over the cockpit, as well as the closure of all of the cabin ports.
The fumes were ignited by an electrical spark while work was being carried out on an electric pump.
‘Similar issues with the use of exposure covers and resulting lack of ventilation have resulted in fatalities due to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide build-up when gas-powered heating installations have been used or the engines have been run while the vessel has been moored or, very occasionally, at sea,’ the bulletin read.
‘If working or sleeping on your vessel, even during inclement weather, the judicious use of openings for ventilation is essential in order to prevent the build up of concentrations of vapour or gasses which could be hazardous.’
