Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are being highlighted during Boat Safety Week (25-31 May 2015).

Thirty boaters have been killed by fires and the same number by carbon monoxide poisoning over the past 20 years.

The FIA publishes two documents covering fire safety on the UK’s 450,000 motorised recreational watercraft:

Guidance Document on the Boat Safety Scheme
Provides advice on requirements such as extinguishers, signs and fire blanket, as well as recommended actions.

Fact File 70: Smoke Alarms for Boats
A new addition to the resource library, it includes information about how many smoke alarms should be fitted, where they should be located, testing, combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as the models recommended for use on boats.

Fire and rescue services with coastal and inland waterways are promoting the week, including Devon & Somerset, Hereford & Worcester, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Cheshire.