I believe that there are multiple actions that I would take before a similar boat takes out customers again. A few may require more work and would be considered longer term solutions but many can be done quickly. These are divided into five categories:
1) Fire prevention
2) Fire detection and alerting
3) Fire suppression
4) Emergency egress
5) Miscellaneous
1) Fire prevention: The cause is currently unknown but some believe that it could be due to battery charging. That will be assumed to be a viable cause along with two other areas for discussion. There could be several others that the boat operator would determine need to be addressed.
a. Battery charging: End all battery charging at some time prior to “lights out.” Evaluate the use of charging bags/containers to mitigate the risk of a battery failure. Evaluate limits on number of charging devices at one time. Consider removing any electrical outlets in the bunk area.
Since daytime battery charging would be expected, mitigation solutions need to consider that as well. Determine if storage of charged batteries in suitable fire proof containers is needed.
b. Sources of fire in the galley: Make the checking of heat producing appliances a two person check-off.
c. Electrical system: Have the entire system checked for integrity. Check circuit breakers for corrosion and functionality. Check all end device connections. Evaluate if replacing normal outlets/switches is prudent.
2. Fire detection and alerting: Far more detection devices may be needed throughout the boat. Consider interconnected systems as well as secondary stand alone battery operated devices. Using different sensing technologies such as photoelectric, ionization, etc and using different brands may reduce single system failures. CCTV or similar video may be useful. Systems that provide significant light output may help with alerting and egress.
3. Fire suppression: Additional fire extinguishers may be needed in places less likely to be impacted by some fires initially. Multiple units in the bunk area should be considered if not already placed there.
4. Emergency egress: The emergency hatch access seems almost worthless. Determine if something similar to stairs or a ladder would significantly reduce the exit time using the current configuration.
Given that both egress points may be unusable due to fire or other reasons, develop an option that bypasses both of those points. This may be the side of the boat or towards the bow or other pathway. Boat construction is unknown so specifics are not offered but besides the chainsaw idea I floated earlier, there are small battery operated circular saw devices that would be usable by more people with little training. The boat is expendable.
The mini circular saw like device is something like this. I saw one that would cut 2" dimensional lumber (1.5" thick)
5. Miscellaneous: Smoke hoods, battery operated lights, cyalumes, personal flotation device, etc should be at each bunk. If some rechargeable batteries produce toxic gases, see if there is a respirator that protects against those gases and have those available at appropriate spots to aid in firefighting. Evaluate the reduction of easily combustible/toxic gas producing materials.
Here is an example of a smoke hood. I can't say that this is the best solution but it is a starting point. Current cost on sale is $40 USD.
Go Time Gear Fire Escape Mask
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