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Boaters alerted to
refuelling dangers
Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) is reminding the boating community of the dangers of refuelling after two people were injured when their houseboat caught fire while refuelling on Lake Eildon.
Director of Maritime Safety for TSV, Peter Corcoran, said refuelling was a potentially hazardous part of boating.
“Fuel fires spread very quickly, so it is important that you have fire protection equipment readily available,” Mr Corcoran said.
“Boat fires are very serious and can lead to disastrous consequences, so the key is to know how to prevent them, and if they start, know how to respond.”
He urged boaters not to smoke at any stage, switch off the engine and any potential sources of flame, remove all passengers when refuelling and not to overfill the tank.
He also reminded boaters to carry fire protection safety equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and fixed fire extinguishing systems.
TSV and the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) are to hold a boating safety seminar on preventing and responding to fires at the Port of Melbourne Training Centre, Lorimer Street, on Wednesday 28 March at 6.30pm.
Edition 250, 8 February 2012
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