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Fire Safety on Boats

Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Fire Safety Ireland, the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and the Heritage Boat Association, has launched a new fire safety guide aimed at promoting safer boating across Ireland's inland waterways. 

Cruiser Boat on the Shannon

Summary

While fire incidents on the inland waterways remain relatively uncommon, even a small fire on board can escalate rapidly, making prevention and early detection critical. By increasing awareness and encouraging simple preventative measures, the campaign aims to positively influence the behaviours of the many thousands of people who enjoy Ireland's inland waterways each year. 



Basic Guidelines

Basic Guidelines

Your boat is your home and your safe space. Don’t let a preventable fi re take that away.


  • Smoke Alarms: Fit smoke alarms and test them weekly
  • LPG Detectors: Marine-grade sensors in the bilge provide the earliest warning
  • Fire Protection Equipment: Keep a fire blanket and fire extinguisher(s) near the exit. Ensure fire extinguishers are serviced annually. 
  • Fire Plan: make a fire action plan and ensure everyone on board is aware of what to do if there is a fire
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms: CO alarms are essential for boats with engines or that use fossil fuels. 

Golden Rules of Boat Fire Safety

Golden Rules of Boat Fire Safety
  • Use back rings first and turn handles inward
  • Ditch the chip pans - they are the number 1 galley fire risk
  • Never use the cooker to dry or warm clothes
  • Keep the cooker and pans grease-free 
  • Keep stove doors closed at night, and ensure solid fuels are stored safely


Your Nightly Fire Check

  • Cookers

    Is the cooker switched off? 

  • Smoking

    Have ashtrays been emptied? 

  • Candles

    Are any naked flames still lit? 

  • Heaters

    Are all electrical and gas heaters turned off? 

  • Gas

    Has the cooking gas been shut off at the source?