A fire in the marina is a potentially devastating event. The proximity of boats to one another, combined with the abundance of fuel (gas, petrol/diesel, timber, ropes etc) means the rapid spread of fire is a real danger.

The emphasis on fire safety in East Coast Marina is on prevention. However, in the event of a fire, quick thinking and a predetermined course of action can prevent escalation of the incident.

To help you prepare for the worst, we recommend all marina clients do the following:

• Download the “Emergency Procedure – Fire” document and become familiar with the contents. This outlines the steps to take if you discover a fire on your vessel, or anywhere else in the marina.
• Be aware of your surroundings: make a note of the nearest emergency equipment on the marina, identify the closest fire extinguisher and the two fire hoses nearest to your vessel.
• If you have children on board, discuss with them what to do in the event of a fire with the emphasis on getting out of any dangerous situation as quickly as possible. A simple fire drill will help to reinforce this.
• Know your emergency number. Some boats on the marina have landlines attached, but if you are calling emergency services from a mobile phone, 112 can be used instead of 000.
• Fit a smoke alarm. Now mandatory for all residences in Queensland, a smoke alarm could save your life if a fire breaks out while you are sleeping. We recommend all boat owners fit a smoke alarm to any boat with an enclosed cabin. For as little as $15 this simple device could save your life, or thpse of your loved ones.

The loss of property to fire can be distressing, but the loss of life is much worse. Remember, whatever the situation, no amount of property loss justifies putting lives at risk.

Experience has shown that in the event of a major storm (or cyclone) passing a marina, the risk of storm damage and injury can be significantly reduced by early preventative action.

The recommendations that follow are for boats in the marina, on the Hardstand, at  EAST COAST MARINA.

As a boat owner, you should be aware it is your responsibility to ensure your vessel and equipment is as secure as possible. Customers are also encouraged to check with their insurers regarding the adequacy of the insurance cover of their vessels for damage resulting from storm and/or cyclonic conditions.

OVERALL CONSIDERATION

In the event of a storm/cyclone, personal safety is of prime importance. Flying debris can be lethal. All non-essential crew (and children) should leave the marina.

Persons electing to stay aboard vessels must realise conditions may preclude them from returning to land. In the event of the centre of the storm passing close by, a major wind shift can be expected and this may be accompanied by a storm surge, with sea levels typically up to 1.5 metres higher than a normal tide.

ACTION

1. Check your lines. Double up mooring lines by running duplicate lines to alternative bollards. The alternative ropes should be run slightly slack to ensure they are only required if the primary mooring lines fail. Fit chafe preventers.
2. Remember, man-made synthetic fibres such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester deteriorate in sunlight. The deterioration is usually unnoticeable until the rope is subjected to stress. If in doubt replace.
3. Check all boat cleats. If there is any doubt, secure additional lines to other structural customers and fittings e.g. winches, sampson posts, etc.
4. Reduce wind loadings to a minimum. Remove all excess deck gear including lifebuoys, biminis, etc. and stow below.
5. Remove all furled sails and covers. If this is not possible, double wrap and tie all sails and covers securely.
6. Stow all loose gear (hatches, boat hooks, buckets, fishing gear, floats, life rings, etc) below decks. Deflate and stow inflatable dinghies. Do not place dinghies on the walkways.
7. Ensure all self-draining openings are clear and working. Dinghies in davits should be cleaned out, bungs removed or, preferably, removed from the vessel and stowed.
8. Disconnect all shore power and water leads.
9. Ready spare fenders and lines.
10. Ensure engine is serviceable and batteries are fully charged.
11. Check all bilge pumps are operational.
12. Communication should be checked on VHF Channel 16 and 67, 2788 MHz and other local frequencies such as V M Rescue on VHF 73.
13. If you have to remain aboard your vessel in the marina, it is mandatory you advise the marina office of your presence aboard and your intentions.
14. Marina management may determine personnel are barred from the pontoons and/or the hardstand areas. Ensure you abide by any such direction.
15. Larger vessels wishing to leave the marina to seek shelter at other locations must do so before conditions deteriorate. You are reminded that severe conditions make maneuvering dangerous.
16. Vessels located ashore should be secured. Ensure wheels are chocked and brakes on and the boat is secured to the trailer.
17. Hardstand vessels and dinghies will be returned to the water if possible. If vessel cannot be returned to the water, take similar action to the above.

Staff will do what they can to assist, but it is still each owners’ responsibility to ensure your vessel and equipment are as secure as possible.