Stay Safe Advice

Having safely installed systems is only part of the story. Two-thirds of fire and carbon monoxide risks arise from the way that engines, appliances, systems and fuels are used and maintained.

Together with partners including Fire Kills, CoGDEM, the Health Protection Agency, the Solid Fuel Association, Soliftec and the Electrical Safety First, and a lot of help from the marine trade and boat user organisations, we have collected a lot of useful advice and information to help you to go boating and stay safe.

Fire Safety For Boats

Boating is usually fun and relaxing, but even the most experienced boater should prepare for the worst.

Lithium-ion Battery Safety

Fire services are reporting increasing numbers of fast-spreading fires caused by damaged or failing lithium-ion batteries.

Petrol Safety

All boaters using petrol, and especially anyone new to boating, should appreciate the nature of petrol vapour especially in the context of the bucket-like quality of a boat cabin and hull.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

It only takes one faulty appliance, blocked flue or a build-up of engine exhaust gas to potentially harm you and your family.

Solid Fuel Stoves

Solid fuel stoves provide a dry and economical form of heat making thousands of boats on UK inland waterways very cosy.

Generator Safety

There are three critical risks linked to using generators that boaters must know about and manage if they are to keep themselves and other people safe from being poisoned, being electrocuted and avoiding fire.

Electrical Safety

The BSS working with the Electrical Safety First has tips and advice for boaters on how to act to avoid the risks of electric shock to themselves and persons around the boat.

If you wish to contact the BSS Team about any of these subjects, or if you have an incident or near incident you would like to tell us about:

Without the help of the various partners and supporters, the advice and information in our stay-safe pages and in our leaflets could not have been produced:

Acknowledgements and Partners