What action should be taken if your boat catches fire?

If your boat catches fire, the most critical action to take is to use a fire extinguisher and abandon the boat if it becomes unsafe. Fire extinguishers are designed to combat small fires effectively and should be used immediately upon noticing flames. If the fire cannot be controlled quickly and the situation worsens, abandoning the vessel becomes essential to ensure personal safety.

This approach prioritizes the safety of all individuals on board and acknowledges that when the fire poses a significant threat, the boat may no longer be a safe place to stay. Using water to extinguish a fire on a boat can often be ineffective and even dangerous, especially for specific types of fuels that may become more volatile in water. Staying calm and waiting for help, while calmness is important, does not address the immediate danger presented by the fire. Moving closer to shore could be safer; however, without first controlling or escaping the fire, it does not directly mitigate the risk to life and safety.