You are out at sea when your boat catches fire, and you must know what to do in a scenario to prevent further damage. Most watercraft rely on gasoline to power the engine, and gasoline is one of the most flammable substances found in nature. It is unsurprising, then, that boats sometimes catch on fire. According to research, there are anywhere from 300 to 350 boat fires in the U.S. annually. Nobody anticipates their boat joining that number, but if you’re a skipper, you should know how to handle your boat catching fire. Being prepared is the best way to prevent injuries and minimize damage.
When Your Boat Catches Fire
Check out these four tips and ask your umbrella insurance agent if they have any additional advice.
File a Claim With Your Umbrella Insurance Agent
When your boat is ablaze, calling your insurance agent likely won’t be the first thing you do, but it is one of the most important. You will need to alert your agent to the extent of the damage and formally file a claim. Your claim will outline the events that caused the fire and should include any photos or video documenting the damage. Yacht insurance doesn’t always cover first damage, so you should be sure to check with your insurance agent to ensure you’re covered.
Evacuate Any Passengers
In the immediate moments after a fire, there is just one imperative task — evacuate any passengers on board the boat. If you can safely do so, you should do this as soon as possible. Ultimately, if it is impossible to accomplish this safely, you should request emergency assistance and alert authorities that somebody is still onboard. Marine police or firefighters should be able to enact a rescue effort.
Extinguish the Fire Safely
You should attempt to extinguish the fire promptly, too. To do this, you must first identify the source of the fire. Most boat fires start in the boat’s engine or the galley. If you have a fire extinguisher on board, use this to extinguish the fire. However, if there is no extinguisher available, you can use water instead. If the fire is too big to extinguish with the available materials safely, call 911 and alert the operator that the fire is urgent.
Get Umbrella Insurance for Your Boat
Many boat owners carry watercraft liability insurance to shield themselves from potential risk. Although this is a wise investment, it may not be sufficient to protect your boat and its value. You may need additional coverage, such as an umbrella insurance policy, to ensure that the watercraft has coverage. This type of insurance accounts for many risks, including the potential for boat fires and other unexpected damage. Find your umbrella policy and practice common sense fire prevention.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
