Bilge And Fuel Fires; Fire Port - Monterey M3 Owner's Manual

Safety Equipment
Sound Signaling Devices
The navigation rules require sound signals to be
made under certain circumstances. Recreational
vessels also are required to sound fog signals dur-
ing periods of reduced visibility. Therefore, you
must have some means of making an efficient
sound signal.
Navigation Lights
Recreational boats are required to display naviga-
tion lights between sunset and sunrise and other
periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.)
Navigation lights are intended to keep other ves-
sels informed of your presence and course. Your
boat is equipped with navigation lights required by
the U.S. Coast Guard at the time of manufacture.
It is up to you to make sure they are operational
and turned on when required.
Fire Extinguishers
Inboard boats less than 26 feet
are required to carry one fire
extinguisher. Coast Guard ap-
proved fire extinguishers are
hand-portable, either B-I or
B-II classification and have a
specific marine type mounting
bracket. It is recommended
the extinguisher be mounted
in a readily accessible position.
Fire extinguishers require
regular inspections to en-
sure that:
• Seals & tamper indicators are not broken or
missing.
• Pressure gauges or indicators read in the
operable range.
• There is no obvious physical damage,
corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.
Refer to the "Federal Requirements And Safety
Tips For Recreational Boats" pamphlet or contact
the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline,
1-800-368-5647, for information on the type and
size fire extinguisher required for your boat.
Please refer to the information provided by the
fire extinguisher manufacturer for instructions
on the proper maintenance and use of your fire
extinguisher.
CAUTION
INFORMATION FOR AGENT FE-241 AND FE-227 FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS IS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. IT
IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU READ THE INFORMATION CAREFULLY
AND COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM, IN THEORY AND
OPERATION, BEFORE USING YOUR BOAT.

1.5 Bilge and Fuel Fires

Fuel compartment and bilge fires are very danger-
ous because of the presence of gasoline or diesel
fuel in the various components of the fuel system
and the possibility for explosion. You must make
the decision to fight the fire or abandon the boat.
If the fire cannot be extinguished quickly or it is
too intense to fight, abandoning the boat may be
your only option.
If you find yourself in this situation, make sure all
passengers have a life preserver on, go over the
side and swim well upwind of the boat. This will
keep you and your passengers well clear of any
burning fuel that could be released and spread on
the water as the boat burns or in the event of an
explosion. When clear of the danger, check about
and account for all those who were aboard with
you. Give whatever assistance you can to anyone
in need or in the water without a buoyant device.
Keep everyone together in a group for morale and
to aid rescue operations.
WARNING
ALL TYPES OF FUEL CAN EXPLODE. IN THE EVENT OF A
FUEL COMPARTMENT OR BILGE FIRE, YOU MUST MAKE THE
DIFFICULT DECISION TO FIGHT THE FIRE OR ABANDON THE
BOAT. YOU MUST CONSIDER YOUR SAFETY, THE SAFETY OF
YOUR PASSENGERS, THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE AND THE
POSSIBILITY OF AN EXPLOSION IN YOUR DECISION.

1.6 Fire Port

Your boat is equipped with a fire port installed in
the engine compartment hatch near the transom
door as standard equipment. In the event of a
fire in the engine compartment, do not open the
hatch. This will supply more air to the fire making
it more difficult to extinguish. Instead, leave the
engine compartment hatch closed and insert the
nozzle of the fire extinguisher into the fire port
and discharge the extinguisher. Once the fire is
MONTEREY
BOATS
21