Fire on dive boat Conception in CA

[JohnnyC]

I'll be really surprised if I start seeing massive change worldwide. But we may hope.

I agree, I doubt many 3rd world countries are going to jump on the safety bandwagon any time soon.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I think the bulk of it comes down to economics. I’m sure everyone would love nothing more than to do the right thing regardless of cost. But so many times cost is the biggest obstacle to doing the right thing.

 

[wgw04024]

I don't mean to be a Debbie downer, but I will be mildly surprised if three years from now you can specifically point out any substantial changes. What Eric suggested a few posts above will come into light after some time, and everyone will have their own reason to postpone or push back.

 

[Ken Kurtis]

I get what you're all saying but I think you'll see, at least in the U.S., a lot of new USCG stuff because people are already saying to them, "How could you approve all of this?"

If nothing else, divers are, at least for a while, hyper-aware and will simply demand changes with their feet and their pocketbooks. Boats that make changes and upgrade (as Nautilus has) will use it as a marketing tool. Those that don't will be left in the lurch.

As for grandfathering, a number of years ago, Mexico decided they would no longer certify all-wood vessel as commercial passenger vessels for a variety of reasons. That's why the Don Jose, which we had used for 26 years, ceased to exist. I'm not suggesting USCG will be that Draconian, but the idea of "grandfathered in" may be taking a hit - and perhaps deservedly so - in light of all of this.

- Ken

 

[BRT]

True, I apologize if my inartful phrasing led anyone to think otherwise. The important part is a fire that is quickly extinguished will generate less smoke and toxic gas than one that burns longer and expands. Smoke detection has the advantage that most fires begin smoldering before bursting into flames and generating enough heat to burst the glass vial the holds a sprinkler valve closed.

To be clear, fire professionals' first priority is prevention followed by smoke alarms, and then sprinklers. Nobody would ever suggest sprinklers only.

Edit: This was written before seeing @Bob DBF's excellent post above or I would have referenced it in the paragraph above.

Fire sprinklers are wonderful things. I have extensive experience in sawmills with fire systems. The systems get used in sawmills and they work. I can see some problems with a boat that has to sit for long periods of time with generators not running or not plugged into shore power but I'm sure they can be overcome. As I believe someone else said often only 1 or 2 heads trip and the problem is solved. The cleanup kind of stinks, but they seldom trip without reason.

 

[Tuttlet]

Yes, but every one I've seen still takes minutes, and I think you could get at least most out of that bunk room if detected early. But certainly not out that little escape hatch.

Not having a smoke detector in the compartment above the sleeping quarters is just a head-shaker for me.

Does anyone know the accepted practice for smoking on board? Seems a smoke detector in a gathering place would also alarm constantly if passengers are smoking near it.
Is it permitted, frowned-up, forbidden. Does this change between pleasure boats and commercial operations?

 

[Akimbo]

I agree, I doubt many 3rd world countries are going to jump on the safety bandwagon any time soon.

Unless their customers demand it, which could come about much faster than the NTSB final report or certifying agencies can mandate improvements. I hope this comment isn't too subtle. Try this in case it is:

Ask informed questions and let operators know you are voting with your money when you aren't satisfied with their safety standards!​

Tell them hundreds of thousands of your friends at ScubaBoard sent you.

 

[ijdod]

And if you want to think outside the box, the USCG Auxiliary has basic boat safety and seamanship classes. They are aimed at the pleasure boater, but the information is good, and useful, for small boat skipper or passenger. And the classes are cheaper than a cert, although they hand certificates as well. The link will refer you to local classes.

USCGAUX Public Education Classes - Find By Zipcode


Bob

In similar vein, basic fire fighting training covering the use of basic firefighting tools such as handheld extinguishers may be available at your local firestation, or even your employer. These show you how they work, and give you some of the basics, including when to call it quits as an amateur.

 

[Akimbo]

In similar vein, basic fire fighting training covering the use of basic firefighting tools such as handheld extinguishers may be available at your local firestation, or even your employer.

Like I mentioned earlier, I hope divers take some of these lessons home since we all live in infernos that are just waiting to happen.

 

[Wookie]

Does anyone know the accepted practice for smoking on board? Seems a smoke detector in a gathering place would also alarm constantly if passengers are smoking near it.
Is it permitted, frowned-up, forbidden. Does this change between pleasure boats and commercial operations?

There is usually a smoking area, usually of the top deck, usually aft.